For the second time in two weeks, a member of the University of Redlands football team has been selected as the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Defensive Athlete of the Week. Junior linebacker Matthew Betancourt (San Bernardino, CA) earned this week's nod after a star-studded performance in a huge, 27-19, victory against No. 11 Linfield College (OR) last Saturday. 

Betancourt paced the team with nine tackles in a strong defensive effort for the Bulldogs. He recorded three solo tackles and six assists, while also earning a hit for a one-yard loss. In addition, he recovered a fumble in the second quarter that led to a Bulldogs touchdown on the ensuing play. 

As a team, the Maroon and Gray held the Wildcats to only 26 yards on the ground and also limited them to a -1.4-yard rushing average. On the season, the Bulldogs' defense has been particularly tough against the run by limiting opponents to only 21.3 rush yards per game, ranking second in the conference. 

For a complete list of this week's award winners, please visit the SCIAC's website. 

Redlands (3-0) enjoys a bye week before hosting Pomona-Pitzer Colleges in the conference opener on Saturday, October 5, at 7 p.m.