Sierra Named HCAC Defensive Player of the Week

GREENWOOD, Ind. – Defiance College defensive back Tony Sierra has been named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week after his performance this past weekend against Earlham College.

Sierra (Warren, Mich./Cousino HS) helped to lead the Yellow Jackets to a 43-7 victory over EC Saturday afternoon and got things rolling in DC's favor after he picked up a fumble on the third play of the game and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown and an early DC lead.

Later in the first quarter, Sierra picked off a pass near the DC end zone and returned it 61 yards into EC territory. Through the rest of the game, Sierra had five passes broken up and was also the team leader in tackles with nine.

For the 2013 season, Sierra leads the nation in Division III with 3.6 passes defended per game. Sierra is also tied for the lead in Division III with five interceptions.

Sierra is the third Yellow Jacket football player to receive player of the week honors this season. Quarterback Alex Larson earned the award in week one and defensive back Andrew Feldhaus picked up the award in week three.

Sierra and the rest of the Yellow Jackets football team will be back in action Saturday, October 12, when Manchester University comes to Justin F. Coressel Stadium for homecoming. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.