Julkes Earns MIAC Special Teams Honor

MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/09/19)---Senior Willie Julkes III used a pair of blocked punts to earn MIAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Julkes blocked the very first punt of the game in the first quarter in the Cobbers' season opener at Wis.-La Crosse. He then blocked the last punt in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter which led to Concordia's game-tying touchdown in the final minute of play.

The conference weekly award is the first of his career for Julkes. He also becomes the first Cobber to win the honor this year. Concordia had three student/athletes earn MIAC Player of the Week honors last season.

Julkes' first block came with only 28-seconds  gone in the first quarter. The Cobber defense forced a "three-and-out" on the first possession and then Julkes was able to get around the right side of the La Crosse line on the ensuing punt and blocked the ball off the foot of the punter. The ball ricocheted 14 yards down field and Concordia was able to take over at the Eagles 36-yard line.

Julkes then came up with the biggest special team play of the day when he blocked a La Crosse with 1:13 to play in regulation. Once again he was able to get around the edge of the La Crosse punt block team and got a piece of the ball. The ball stayed at the line of scrimmage and CC took over at the UWL 34-yard line. The Cobbers would then tie the game seven plays later.

Julkes was also a key member of the Cobber defense which held La Crosse to only 70 rushing yards.

Julkes will look to continue his special team success when the Cobbers host No.3-ranked Wis.-Whitewater on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 12:00.