Erickson's Career Day Earns MIAC Weekly Honors

MOORHEAD, Minn. (11/10/14)—Concordia senior defensive back Christian Erickson capped his career weekend by being named the MIAC Defensive Player of the Week. Erickson had two interceptions against Gustavus and returned one for a touchdown in the Cobbers' 35-26 win.

It is the first time in his career that Erickson has earned Player of the Week honors. He becomes the third Concordia player to earn a weekly award. Griffin Neal was named the MIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 27 and defensive end Nate Adams earned the defensive award on Sept. 22.

Erickson was the leader of the Concordia defense that came away with five interceptions against Gustavus on Saturday. Gustie quarterback Mitch Hendricks had only thrown six interceptions the entire season before the game.

Erickson's interception return for a touchdown in the final stages of the second quarter was a huge momentum swing in the win over the Gusties. Concordia was hanging on to a 15-7 lead with less than 5-minutes left in the second period. Gustavus had the ball and looked to be driving for a potential game-tying score before halftime. Erickson stepped in front of Hendricks' pass in the right flat and raced 30 yards for the touchdown. His first career "pick 6" gave the Cobebrs the momentum in the game and a 14-point lead – a lead they would never relinquish for the rest of the game.

Erickson then completed his career afternoon by coming up with another important interception. The Gusties had cut the lead to 35-20 and were driving for another touchdown. Gustavus had the ball on the Cobber 11-yard line and tried to score on a pass in the end zone. Erickson was in the right spot at the right time as he had the receiver covered and was able to turn and pick off the pass in the end zone. His second interception sealed the win for Concordia.

In addition to his two interceptions, Erickson also had two tackles and two pass breakups.

The win gave Concordia their third straight eight-win season. The Cobbers finished the regular season 8-2 which marks the first time in program history that they have recorded three consecutive seasons with at least eight wins.