Posted: Sep 16, 2025

MCAC Football Athletes of the Week: Week of September 8-14

The Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) has released its football athlete of the week awards for the week of September 8-14.

Tellise 'TJ' Clark Jr, running back for North Dakota State College of Science, earned an Offensive Player of the Week award. Clark ran for 229 yards on 22 carries, averaging 10.4 yards per carry. He had four touchdowns in the Wildcats' win over #3 Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Osten Jones, running back for Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range, earned the other Offensive Player of the Week honor. Jones had 11 carries and totaled 182 yards, averaging 16.5 yards per carry. He also had two rushing touchdowns, helping his Norse team grab its first conference win of the season.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College's outside linebacker, Taneel Nelson, earned a Defensive Player-of-the-Week award. Nelson had five tackles with four sacks in the Spartans' overtime win over Central Lakes College. Evan Lowry-Simpson, defensive lineman for North Dakota State College of Science, was named a Defensive Player of the Week with his five tackles and two sacks. Simpson also had two tackles for a loss of yardage, a forced fumble, and two quarterback hits to help get a key conference win.

Osten Jones was not only a stellar running back for Minnesota North College - Measbi Range, but he also had a sensational day as their kicker. For his efforts, he earned the Special Teams Player-of-the-Week award. Jones was five for five on extra points and made the one field goal he attempted, a 29-yarder. He also kicked off 10 times for 544 yards, averaging 54.4 yards per kickoff. Jones had one touchback as well.

As MCAC teams compile games and statistics, keep tabs on Conference leaders at the following links:

MCAC Statistical Leaders: https://mcacsports.org/sports/fball/2025-26/leaders

MCAC Standings: https://mcacsports.org/sports/fball/2025-26/standings