Bellamy’s big plays earn GPAC Defensive Player of the Week honors

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Following a fumble recovery and an interception return for a touchdown, Morningside junior linebacker Blake Bellamy has been named the Great Plains Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday.

Bellamy recorded two takeaways in Saturday's 59-21 win over No. 23 Concordia — one in each half. In the first half, the Winterset, Iowa, native recovered a fumble forced by defensive end Cale Pittenger.

Then, late in the third quarter, Bellamy intercepted a pass deep in Concordia territory and returned it 10 yards for the Mustangs' first defensive touchdown of the season.

Bellamy also led Morningside with 12 total tackles, including a shared tackle for loss.

The Mustang defense held Concordia to just 247 total yards and forced four turnovers in the victory.