It was a great start to the 2017 season for the Buena Vista football team last Thursday night as it opened with a 31-27 home win over Mayville State. Two individuals were recognized by the Iowa Conference on Tuesday afternoon for their efforts during the win by being named performers of the week.
Senior linebacker Brady Illg was a big piece to the BVU defense that helped limit the rushing attack by the Comets and to put added pressure into the backfield. He finished the game with eight tackles (seven solo), including two for a loss. He also chimed in with three pass breakups. The recognition is the first for a Beaver defensive player since Quamaree Harris back in 2015.
Freshman kick returner Eric Pacheco had a stellar start to his collegiate career and wasted no time earning his first career IIAC Special Teams Performer of the Week honor. He returned a pair of punts for 87 yards, including a key 72-yard touchdown return on his first career attempt. That score put BVU in front 21-7 early second quarter. He also had one kickoff return for 28 yards. It marked the first kick return of any kind for a TD for BVU since 2010.
Buena Vista (1-0) is off this week and will prepare to open Iowa Conference play next Saturday, September 16, when it hosts Central College at 1:00pm.