NATCHITOCHES, La. (WNTZ) – Northwestern State’s defense and special teams played key roles in a season-opening win against Alcorn State, and two first-year Demons were recognized Monday for their performances.

Linebacker Fernando Washington was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week, while punter Cooper Evans earned Special Teams Player of the Week, the league office announced.

Washington led NSU with eight tackles, including six solo stops, while recording two tackles for loss and a sack that cost the Braves 11 yards. He also broke up a pass on third down that forced Alcorn to settle for a 51-yard field goal — the Braves’ only points of the night. The Demons forced three turnovers and did not allow a touchdown.

Evans flipped the field throughout the game, averaging 44.7 yards per punt. He launched two kicks of more than 50 yards, including a long of 55, and placed three punts inside the 20-yard line. Two were downed deep in Alcorn territory, at the 11- and 6-yard lines. The Braves’ average starting field position after an Evans punt was their own 24-yard line, and none of those possessions resulted in points.

Evans is the first Northwestern State punter to claim Southland Special Teams Player of the Week honors since Scotty Roblow in April 2021.