BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – While the offense received most of the headlines entering into the season for the Geneva College football team, it was the defensive side of the ball that was the star of Geneva's season-opening victory over Widener on Saturday, and junior defensive back Noah Hutcherson was in the middle of much of that defensive success.  On Monday, Hutcherson was rewarded by being named the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Defensive Player of the Week for his standout effort against the Pride.

Hutcherson, who is coming off an All-PAC season last year, finished Saturday's game with ten tackles, including 3.0 tackles-for-loss.  He was also very impactful in Geneva's blitz package, constantly pressuring the quarterback while finishing with four quarterback hurries.  He also broke up two passes in pass coverage.

Hutcherson was especially effective on Widener's final drive as the Pride tried to come up with a late tying touchdown.  He had two tackles, one TFL and he broke up a pass inside the Geneva 10-yard line to prevent a first down as Geneva held on for the 21-14 victory.

In total, the Geneva defense gave up just seven points while totaling five sacks, 11 QB hurries and 11.0 TFLs.

The football team heads to Shenandoah this Saturday for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.