Deem, James Named MWC Performers of the Week

By Nathan Baliva

Two Monmouth College football players picked up Midwest Conference Performer of the Week honors on Monday as quarterback Brayden Deem (Andalusia, Illinois) won the offensive award and linebacker Ethan James (Carthage, Illinois) won on defense. The Scots have had at least one football Performer of the Week each week this season.

Deem completed a career-high 26 passes on Saturday, accounting for 278 yards and three touchdowns in the 49-9 win at Grinnell. He also rushed seven times for 45 yards and was not sacked in the game. Deem led six touchdown drives and engineered a Scots offense that averaged 7.2 yards per play and did not punt all game.

James had a big game all over the field for the Scots defense. The senior finished with nine tackles, including two tackles for loss. He also recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter and returned the ball 25 yards for a touchdown. James and the Monmouth defense held Grinnell to 28 passing yards on the day with seven TFL, one sack and three turnovers.

The Fighting Scots (3-1, 3-0) return home Saturday with a 1 p.m. kickoff against Illinois College.