Taylor James is the GPAC Defensive Player of the Week after his exploits in the Mustangs’ 86-10 victory against Nebraska Wesleyan.

Taylor James, a 5-10, 205 lb. junior defensive back from Westfield, Iowa, has been named the Hauff Mid-America Sports/Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Football Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in last Saturday’s 86-10 victory against Nebraska Wesleyan University.

James returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, was the Mustangs’ leading tackler with three solos and four assists for seven total tackles, and had a fumble recovery in the second quarter that set up a Morningside touchdown. James is the Mustangs’ fourth leading tackler through their first two contests with four solos and five assists for nine total tackles. His exploits helped the Mustangs improve their record to 2-0.

Morningside’s defense has held each of its first two opponents to less than 200 yards total offense. The Mustangs limited Nebraska Wesleyan to 145 yards in last Saturday’s contest after allowing only 174 yards in a 77-17 triumph against Sterling College in their season opener. Morningside’s opponents are averaging only 159.5 yards total offense per game. The Mustangs have held their first two opponents to an average of 76.0 yards rushing per game and only 2.0 yards per rushing attempt. Morningside’s opponents are averaging 83.5 yards passing per game and have completed only 20 of 52 attempts for 38.5 percent. The Mustangs have a defensive scoring average of 13.5 points per game.

The Mustangs will travel to Sioux Center, Iowa, on Saturday for a 1 p.m. game against Dordt College.