Sophomore Duo, Handal & Parker Named as NSAA Players of the Week
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) announced its eighth edition of the 2023 Football Players of the Week honors on Monday afternoon. Keegan Handal was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Week and Connor Parker was named as the Special Teams Player of the Week.
"I am very happy for Keegan. As a true sophomore, we demand a lot from him," Head Coach Tyler Chapa stated. "He is proving himself as a leader on and off the field. He comes from a really great football family and his hard work is paying off. Looking forward to all of his accomplishments."
Keegan Handal (SO/Tomball, TX) caught an interception and returned it for a 20-yard touchdown, extending the Warriors lead to 14-0 in the first quarter. Handal also collected four tackles (one solo and three assists) in a 34-14 win over Dakota State.
"This was a great bounce back win for us this week. We had a good week of practice and our performance showed on the field," said Handal. "We have to continue to use this momentum and can't get complacent."
This marks Handal's first player of the week recognition in his career. The last time Waldorf received a defensive player of the week was last season in week four from Tyler Dennis.
"Connor has been working relentlessly each week," Chapa added. "He is one of the hardest workers on our team and takes his job as a specialist seriously. The sky is the limit for Conor, very proud of him."
Connor Parker (SO/Stillwater, MN) recorded 10 points on his kicking game on Saturday's win against the Trojans. He went perfect on his kicking that included four PAT extra-points and two field goals. Parker made a 45-yard field goal to start the second quarter and then a 30-yard field goal in the fourth to get secure a 34-14 win. He had seven kickoffs for 337 yards, averaging 48.1 yards per kick off.
Parker said, "These accolades are great, and I am happy to be able to contribute to a great conference win!"
This is Parker's third honor being named Special Teams Player of the Week this fall season.
The Warriors will be back in action at Bolstorff Field for their final home game of the season against Mayville State on Saturday, October 21st. Kickoff is at 1 pm.