SUMMIT – Southwest defensive lineman Josh Samander has been named the MACJC’s Defensive Player of the Week for his performance Saturday night in the Bears’ 38-14 Homecoming win over East Central.

Samander (6′ 2″, 240), a freshman from Brandon and a graduate of Jackson Prep, totaled 17 tackles (three for loss, one sack) against the Warriors. He also recovered two fumbles in the game, returning one for a touchdown, and had three quarterback hurries.

By winning the MACJC award, Samander will now automatically be nominated for the NJCAA’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Samander is the second member of the Bears’ football team to receive league Player of the Week honors this season. Kicker Reed James was the Special Teams Player of the Week for Week Four.