ANGOLA, IND. -- Trine University junior safety J.J. Fierro (Kokomo, Ind./Maconaquah) has been named this week's Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association football "Defensive Player of the Week."
Fierro helped the Thunder to a 28-6 win against Olivet (Mich.) College over the weekend to win an outright MIAA Championship and end the 2017 regular season a perfect 10-0.
Fierro made a team-high seven tackles (four solo and three assists) against the Scots as Trine held Olivet to 296 yards of total offense, including just 62 yards rushing. He also had a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception. The interception was the 20th of the season the Trine defense has made which ranks seventh most amongst NCAA Division III schools.
For the season, Fierro has tallied 44 tackles (26 solo and 18 assists), including a tackle for loss, to rank fourth on the team. He also has two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.
Fierro and the Thunder will make its fourth trip to the NCAA postseason when they host Monmouth (Ill.) College on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Zollner Athletic Stadium. The game is scheduled to begin at noon.