BISMARCK, N.D. (Playnorthstar.com) – The North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) announced its eleventh edition of the Football Players-of-the-Week honors Monday.  Drew Boedecker of Dickinson State (N.D.) was chosen as the Offensive Player-of-the-Week, while his teammate Jace Johnson was chosen as the Special Teams Player-of-the-Week.  Sal Avila of Valley City State (N.D.) was named as the Defensive Player-of-the-Week.

NSAA Football Defensive Player of the Week
Sal Avila – Valley City State (N.D.) – 5’10” – 210 lbs., Junior – linebacker – El Paso, Texas – Avila tallied a team-high 10 tackles in helping Valley City State (N.D.) to a 33-7 home victory over Dakota State (S.D.) in VCSU’s regular-season finale.  He also recorded two quarterback sacks of 13 yards loss and 2.5 tackles-for-loss of 14 yards.  The Vikings held the Trojans to just seven points and only 121 of total offense yards.

Valley City State (N.D.), receiving votes in the latest NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 national poll, finished its season with an overall record of 8-2 and 6-2 NSAA conference record after defeating Dakota State (S.D.) 33-7.  The score was knotted at 7-7 after the first quarter and grabbed a 14-7 lead by halftime.  After a scoreless third quarter, the Vikings used a 19-point fourth outburst to claim the victory.  VCSU recorded 335 total offensive yards, while limiting DaSU to 121 total offensive yards.  Dakota State is 5-4 overall record and 4-3 NSAA conference record.