Nathan Knuffman, Brett Taylor Named MVFC Player of the Week

Duo honored for their efforts on special teams and defense, respectively

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Junior placekicker Nathan Knuffman (Coatsburg/Camp Point Central) and sophomore linebacker Brett Taylor (Macomb/Macomb) were honored by the Missouri Valley Football Conference as Player of the Week on special teams and defense, respectively. It is the first weekly honor for both Leathernecks.

Western Illinois rallied for a 37-36 Homecoming victory over Southern Illinois on Saturday, improving to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the MVFC.

With six seconds remaining on the clock, Knuffman kicked the game-winning field goal from 20 yards out to complete the fourth quarter rally. The junior kicker converted all four of his extra point attempts. It marked the first game-winning field goal during the final seconds in a Leatherneck uniform.

Taylor set a career-high with 17 tackles (11 solos) to lead all players. He scooped up a fumble and returned it 21 yards for his second touchdown this season. He added a pass break-up that led to Dallas Nichols' interception and added a quarterback hurry.

The sophomore leads the country with three fumble recoveries, and is now tied for fifth all-time in WIU history in defensive points scored. Taylor becomes the eighth Leatherneck all-time to record multiple touchdowns (INT and fumble return).

Western returns to action this Saturday (Oct. 10) playing host to South Dakota. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Hanson Field.

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Players Mentioned

#33 Nathan Knuffman: K/P; 6' 1"; Junior; Camp Point Central

#25 Dallas Nichols: DB; 6' 2"; Senior; Central (AZ) / Glendale CC

#44 Brett Taylor: LB; 6' 2"; Sophomore; Macomb

Players Mentioned

#33 Nathan Knuffman
: 6' 1"; Junior; Camp Point Central
: K/P

#25 Dallas Nichols
: 6' 2"; Senior; Central (AZ) / Glendale CC
: DB

#44 Brett Taylor
: 6' 2"; Sophomore; Macomb
: LB

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Players Mentioned

#33 Nathan Knuffman

#25 Dallas Nichols

#44 Brett Taylor

Players Mentioned

#33 Nathan Knuffman

#25 Dallas Nichols

#44 Brett Taylor