Rochester, MN-
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
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MCAC FootballOffensive Players-of-the-Week |
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Tellise 'TJ' Clark Jr. North Dakota State College of Science FR / RB Shakopee, MN
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Rush Attempts: 22 Rush Yards: 229 Rush TDs: 4 Receptions: 0 Receiving Yards: 0 Receiving TDs: 0 Noteworthy Information: TJ averaged 10.4 yards per carry. Next Contest: September 20 at Minnesota State - Fergus Falls Team Record: 3-0 overall, 2-0 MCAC
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Osten Jones Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range FR / RB Chiefland, FL
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Rush Attempts: 11 Rush Yards: 182 Rush TDs: 2 Receptions: 0 Receiving Yards: 0 Receiving TDs: 0 Noteworthy Information: Osten averaged 16.5 yards per carry. Next Contest: September 20 at Minnesota West Community & Technical College Team Record: 1-1 overall, 1-1 MCAC |
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MCAC FootballDefensive Players-of-the-Week |
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Taneel Nelson Minnesota State Community & Technical College FR / OLB Harker Heights, TX
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Tackles: 5 Sacks: 4 Tackles for Loss: 4 Forced Fumbles: 0 Fumble Recoveries: 0 Interceptions: 0 Pass Break-Ups: 0 Defensive TDs: 0 Noteworthy Information: Taneel is averaging 3.5 tackles per game. Next Contest: September 20 vs. North Dakota State College of Science Team Record: 1-1 overall, 1-1 MCAC
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Evan Lowry-Simpson North Dakota State College of Science FR / DL Blaine, MN
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Tackles: 5 Sacks: 2 Tackles for Loss: 2 Forced Fumbles: 1 Fumble Recoveries: 0 Interceptions: 0 Pass Break-Ups: 0 Defensive TDs: 0 Noteworthy Information: Evan has 3.5 sacks on the season. Next Contest: September 20 at Minnesota State Community and Technical College Team Record: 3-0 overall, 2-0 MCAC |
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MCAC FootballSpecial Teams Player-of-the-Week |
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Osten Jones Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range FR / Kicker Chiefland, FL
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Kickoffs: 10 Kickoff Yardage: 544 yards Touchbacks: 1 Extra Points Made: 5 Extra Points Attempted: 5 Field Goals Made: 1 Field Goals Attempted: 1 Field Goal Long: 29 Noteworthy Information: In two games, Osten is a perfect 7 for 7 kicking extra points. Next Contest: September 20 at Minnesota West Community & Technical College Team Record: 1-1 overall, 1-1 in the MCAC
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About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system. The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions. The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.