Oct. 27, 2009

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State junior defensive end Danny Richard has been named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week it was announced by the league office in Bay City, Mich. Richard tallied five total tackles, 2.0 QB sacks (-11), 3.5 tackles for loss (-13) and forced a fumble in No. 6 Grand Valley State's 34-7 victory over Ashland. Richard was a key part of a Laker defense that sacked AU QB Billy Cundiff six times and limited the Eagles to 49 passing yards, 233 below there per game average and the lowest passing total in a game since 1995. Richard leads the Lakers in tackles for loss with 11 (-43) and QB sacks with six (-31).

In addition, Grand Valley State is ranked fourth in the latest NCAA DII Super Region Three rankings it was announced by the NCAA selection committee. The top six teams as selected by the NCAA Super Region Three committee following the Nov. 7 games will move on to the 2009 playoffs. Following are the rankings as of Oct. 26.

1. Minnesota Mankota 9-0

2. Minnesota Duluth 8-1

3. Hillsdale 7-2

4. Grand Valley State 8-1

5. Saginaw Valley State 7-2

6. Nebraska-Kearney 8-1

7. Findlay 7-2

8. Augustana 7-2

9. Wayne State (Neb.) 6-3

10. Colorado Mines 7-2

Grand Valley State (8-1), ranked fifth in the latest AFCA Coaches' poll, will host Northern Michigan Saturday (Oct. 31) at 7 p.m. in Lubbers Stadium.