MILWAUKEE, Wis. (naccsports.org) --- The Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) has announced its major awards and all-conference team for the 2024 season.
League champion Aurora University accounted for half of the eight major awards as sophomore quarterback
Tyler Adkins was named NACC Offensive Player of the Year, senior
Matt Kickel was named NACC Offensive Lineman of the Year, and senior defensive lineman
Jaylen Jordan was named NACC Defensive Player of the Year, while the Spartans coaching staff led by head coach
Don Beebe was recognized by its peers as the NACC Coaching Staff of the Year.
St. Norbert senior defensive back
Brett Boelkow was named NACC Defensive Skill Position Player of the Year, Concordia University Wisconsin sophomore placekicker
Logan Navis was named NACC Special Teams Player of the Year, Wisconsin Lutheran College running back
Liam Heiges was named NACC Freshman of the Year, and St. Norbert defensive coordinator
Charlie Drewek was named NACC Assistant Coach of the Year.
This is the first year the NACC has recognized an Offensive Lineman of the Year, a Defensive Skill Position Player of the Year, a Special Teams Player of the Year, and an Assistant Coach of the Year.
All honors are voted on by the league's head coaches.
NACC Offensive Player of the Year - Tyler Adkins, QB, Aurora
Adkins, a sophomore, played in all 10 regular-season games for the Spartans. He completed 177 of 285 passes for 2,558 yards and 36 touchdowns. Adkins also ran for 356 yards and five touchdowns on 72 carries.
Adkins managed to record at least one touchdown pass in each game, throwing for a NACC season-high six against both Concordia Chicago and Benedictine while tacking on five each against Wisconsin Lutheran and Eureka. Against Benedictine, he threw for a season-high 389 yards while completing 30 of 41 passes.
Adkins leads all NACC players in passing efficiency (172.2), passing touchdowns, yards per completion (14.45), points responsible for (248) and yards per attempt (8.98), ranks second in passing yards (2,558), passing average (255.8), and total offense (291.4 ypg), and sits third in completion percentage (.621) and completions per game (17.70).
Adkins is the fifth Aurora quarterback to be named NACC Offensive Player of the Year since 2019 (Gavin Zimbelman, 2019 and 2021; Josh Swanson, 2022; Ian Luyando, 2023).
NACC Offensive Lineman of the Year - Matt Kickel, OL, Aurora
Kickel, a senior, started all 10 regular-season games for Aurora, anchoring a Spartans offensive line that led all NACC teams in first downs (250), total offense (472.9 ypg), passing offense (293.6 ypg), scoring offense (49.2 ppg), team passing efficiency (167.86), and ranked second in rushing offense (179.3 ypg).
As a unit, the Spartans have allowed just 14 sacks.
NACC Defensive Player of the Year - Jaylen Jordan, DL, Aurora
Jordan, a senior defensive lineman, racked up 44 tackles (24 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and an interception during the regular season for the 10-0 Spartans.
He recorded at least three tackles in each contest. Perhaps Jordan's best game statistically came against Concordia Chicago where he had a season-high eight tackles (four solo) and a pair of sacks. Jordan also returned his lone interception of the year 25 yards for a touchdown in a 42-14 win over Concordia Wisconsin.
This is the fourth year in a row that an Aurora student-athlete has been named NACC Defensive Player of the Year (Sean Reyna, 2021; Marcellus Romious, 2022-23) and the second NACC major award for Jordan, who was named NACC Freshman of the Year in 2021.
NACC Defensive Skill Position Player of the Year - Brett Boelkow, DB, St. Norbert
Boelkow played in all 11 games for the Green Knights this season, making 44 tackles (32 solo), six tackles for loss (five solo) and a pair of solo sacks. He also forced four fumbles, broke up six passes and intercepted six others - returning two for touchdowns.
Boelkow book-ended his season with his two top tackle totals, recording eight stops (four solo) in the season opener at Wabash, then posting six tackles - including a season-high five solo stops - in St. Norbert's Lakefront Bowl victory.
Against Benedictine on Oct. 12, he had five tackles (four solo), a forced fumble, and three interceptions - one of which he returned for a touchdown in a 14-0 Green Knights victory. Boelkow also had three solo tackles, a forced fumble, a sack, and interception return for a touchdown in St. Norbert's 55-7 win over Wisconsin Lutheran on Nov. 2.
Boelkow ranks second amongst NACC players in forced fumbles (0.36 per game), third in interceptions per game (0.5) and passes defended (1.1 per game).
Boelkow is the first St. Norbert student-athlete to receive a NACC major award in the sport of football.
NACC Special Teams Player of the Year - Logan Navis, PK, Concordia Wisconsin
Navis, a sophomore, was a perfect 31-for-31 in point-after attempts and made 12 of 19 field goals in nine games for the Falcons. He also had 47 kickoffs for 2,604 yards with 23 touchbacks.
Navis made a field goal in seven of nine games, including a season-best three against both Eureka and Lakeland. He connected on a 54-yard field goal against the Muskies, setting a new CUW and NACC record for longest field goal. The previous NACC mark was 51 yards set by CUW's Dan Winsey against Benedictine in 2010.
Navis led all NACC players and ranked sixth nationally in field goals per game (1.33), ranked second in the league in field goal percentage (.632), third in scoring (7.4 ppg), and fifth in total points scored (67).
Navis is the first Falcon to secure a NACC major award since Austin Damaschke repeated as Offensive Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014.
NACC Freshman of the Year - Liam Heiges, RB, Wisconsin Lutheran
Heiges ran for 839 yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries in 10 games for the Warriors, averaging 5.31 yards per carry. He also had seven catches for 41 yards.
Heiges eclipsed the century mark in rushing yards four times this season, rushing for a season-high 179 yards against Buena Vista. He also closed the season with a pair of 100-yard games, rushing for 140 yards on 13 carries in two touchdowns in an overtime win at Rockford on Nov. 9, then carried the ball a season-high 33 times for 176 yards and two scores in a 27-17 win over Concordia Wisconsin in the season finale on Nov. 16.
Heiges ranked third amongst NACC running backs in yards per carry, fourth in rushing touchdowns and rushing yards, and fifth in rushing yards per game (83.9 ypg).
Heiges is the second Wisconsin Lutheran student-athlete to be named NACC Football Freshman of the Year. Zach Shaw shared the inaugural award in 2009.
NACC Coaching Staff of the Year - Aurora University (Don Beebe, head coach)
The Spartans, led by sixth-year head coach
Don Beebe, captured a sixth-consecutive NACC title with an 8-0 record and take a 9-1 mark into this weekend's NCAA Division III Football Championship second-round game at Hope. Aurora outscored its league opponents by a 438-68 margin this season and ranked either first or second amongst NACC programs in nearly every significant statistical category.
The Spartans lead all NACC schools in interceptions (19), total offense (472.9 ypg), passing offense (293.6 ypg), scoring defense (13.7 ppg), scoring offense (49.2 ppg), red zone defense (.588), team passing efficiency (167.86), team sacks (3.10 spg), fourth down conversion percentage (.560), fewest penalties per game (4.3), kickoff return average (24.90), and first downs (250), and second in rushing defense (81.4 ypg), rushing offense (179.3 ypg), total defense (235.7 ypg), turnover margin (+0.90), team tackles for loss (7.7) third down conversion percentage (.460), third-down conversion percentage defense (.296), fourth-down conversion percentage defense (.393), blocked punts (2), and defensive touchdowns (4).
Beebe is assisted by
Ryan Gehlert (co-OC/QB),
J.T. Zimmerman (DC/LB),
Matt Piasecki (STC/DB),
Jeremiah Chaney (DL),
Joe Thorgesen (RB),
Carlos Delgado (DB),
Michael Boland (WR), and
Kevin Sabo (OL).
This is the fifth time in a row that Beebe or a Beebe-led staff has been recognized by the league's coaches (
Note: No award was given in Spring 2021).
NACC Assistant Coach of the Year - Charlie Drewek, St. Norbert
Drewek, who is in his third season as St. Norbert's defensive coordinator, directed the Green Knights defense to league-leading figures in third-down conversion percentage defense (.267), fourth-down conversion percentage defense (.267), blocked kicks (3), blocked punts (3), defensive touchdowns (5), fewest first downs allowed (125), fumbles recovered (11), team passing efficiency defense (97.39), tackles for loss (7.9 tpg), total defense (219.5), turnover margin (+1.36), turnovers gained (29), and rushing defense (63.7 ypg). St. Norbert also ranked second amongst NACC programs in passing yards allowed (155.7 ypg), red zone defense (.615), scoring defense (13.7 ppg), team sacks (2.64), and interceptions (18).
The Green Knights also ranked in the top 10 nationally in a handful of categories: defensive touchdowns (second), turnovers gained (fourth), interceptions (fourth), total defense (fifth), team passing efficiency defense (sixth), first downs defense (seventh), third-down conversion percentage defense (seventh), and turnover margin (ninth),
All-Conference Team Announced
The top three programs in this year's final NACC standings - Aurora, St. Norbert, and Wisconsin Lutheran - accounted for the lion's share of this year's all-conference honors, collectively totaling 34 honors while the other six schools in the league accounted for 32. Runner-up St. Norbert scored the most honors with 13, including a league-high 11 first-teamers. Aurora was next with 11, landing nine on the first team. Wisconsin Lutheran had 10 players selected - all to the second team.
Benedictine (eight total), Lakeland (seven total), and Concordia Wisconsin (six total) each had three players named to the first team, while two of Rockford's five all-conference players were first-team picks. Concordia Chicago had four total all-league picks with one first-teamer, while Eureka received one second-team selection.
| 2024 All-Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Football Team |
| Offensive Player of the Year - Tyler Adkins, QB, Aurora |
| Offensive Lineman of the Year - Matt Kickel, OL, Aurora |
| Defensive Player of the Year - Jaylen Jordan, DL, Aurora |
| Defensive Skill Position Player of the Year - Brett Boelkow, DB, St. Norbert |
| Special Teams Player of the Year - Logan Navis, PK, Concordia Wisconsin |
| Freshman of the Year - Liam Heiges, RB, Wisconsin Lutheran |
| Coaching Staff of the Year - Aurora University (Don Beebe, head coach) |
| Assistant Coach of the Year - Charlie Drewek, St. Norbert |
| Pos. |
First Team |
School |
Yr. |
Hometown |
| QB |
Tyler Adkins |
Aurora |
So. |
Martinsville, Ind. |
| QB |
Robby Michael |
Lakeland |
Jr. |
Sheboygan, Wis. |
| RB |
Jack Carey |
Rockford |
Sr. |
Fithian, Ill. |
| RB |
Patrick Oden |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Aurora, Ill. |
| WR |
Ty Pruett |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Cedar Creek, Texas |
| WR |
Trey Urweiler |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Batavia, Ill. |
| WR |
Mitch Van Vooren |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Marinette, Wis. |
| WR |
Emmitt Hawkins |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
So. |
Cudahy, Wis. |
| TE |
Wesley Jackson |
Concordia Chicago |
So. |
Robinson, Ill. |
| OL |
Matt Kickel |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Bolingbrook, Ill. |
| OL |
Alston Watts |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Orlando, Fla. |
| OL |
Abdulah Nyang |
Benedictine |
Sr. |
Atlanta, Ga. |
| OL |
Andrew Elmhorst |
Concordia Wisconsin |
Sr. |
Manawa, Wis. |
| OL |
Logan Erchull |
St. Norbert |
Jr. |
New Berlin, Wis. |
| OL |
Lucas Tappy |
St. Norbert |
Jr. |
Iron Mountain, Mich. |
| DL |
Jaylen Jordan |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Frankfort, Ill. |
| DL |
JP Chaney |
Aurora |
So. |
Batavia, Ill. |
| DL |
Brian Pritt |
Benedictine |
Sr. |
Chicago, Ill. |
| DL |
Jake Leclaire |
Lakeland |
Sr. |
Stuart, Fla. |
| DL |
Daylan Lujan |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. |
| LB |
Tyler Walker |
Benedictine |
Sr. |
Peoria, Ill. |
| LB |
Justice Kaneta |
Concordia Wisconsin |
Sr. |
Brighton, Colo. |
| LB |
Joey Alvarez |
Rockford |
So. |
Rockford, Ill. |
| LB |
Sam Barnett |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Trempeleau, Wis. |
| LB |
Kyle Santos |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Big Bend, Wis. |
| DB |
Quintarius Davis |
Aurora |
Gr. |
St. Petersburg, Fla. |
| DB |
Andrew Nordland |
Aurora |
Jr. |
Bradenton, Fla. |
| DB |
Justin McMahon |
Lakeland |
Sr. |
Kyle, Texas |
| DB |
Brett Boelkow |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Cudahy, Wis. |
| DB |
Marc Thomas |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Chicago, Ill. |
| RET |
Austin Miller |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Combined Locks, Wis. |
| P |
Mason Levake |
St. Norbert |
So. |
Lake Mills, Wis. |
| PK |
Logan Navis |
Concordia Wisconsin |
So. |
Cedar Grove, Wis. |
| Pos. |
Second Team |
School |
Yr. |
Hometown |
| QB |
Jaelen Ray |
Rockford |
Sr. |
Kissimmee, Fla. |
| RB |
Zackery Russell |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Edmond, Okla. |
| RB |
Dino Stephens |
Benedictine |
Fr. |
Chicago, Ill. |
| RB |
Liam Heiges |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Fr. |
Appleton, Wis. |
| WR |
Jayce Levy |
Concordia Chicago |
Sr. |
Davenport, Iowa |
| WR |
Caleb Besaw |
Lakeland |
Jr. |
Conroe, Texas |
| WR |
Da'Quan McIntosh |
Rockford |
Sr. |
Broward County, Fla. |
| WR |
Jamil Gordon |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Jr. |
San Marcos, Texas |
| TE |
Dylan Rhodes |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Waukesha, Wis. |
| OL |
Daniel Banks |
Concordia Chicago |
Fr. |
Chicago, ill. |
| OL |
Luis Arellano |
Concordia Wisconsin |
So. |
Tucson, Ariz. |
| OL |
Jeremiah Jones |
Lakeland |
Sr. |
Chicago, Ill. |
| OL |
Asa Spindler |
Lakeland |
Sr. |
Mount Vernon, Ind. |
| OL |
Eric Rodriguez |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Sr. |
Houston, Texas |
| OL |
Nate Nash |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Fr. |
Wildomar, Calif. |
| DL |
Isaiah Perrin |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Lake Villa, Ill. |
| DL |
Jack Hayden |
Benedictine |
So. |
Woodstock, Ill. |
| DL |
Marquiton Sellers |
Concordia Wisconsin |
Jr. |
Winnsboro, La. |
| DL |
Justin Benoit |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
De Pere, Wis. |
| DL |
Kyle Kubacki |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Gr. |
St. Francis, Wis. |
| LB |
Jake Diamantos |
Benedictine |
So. |
Downers Grove, Ill. |
| LB |
Gessie Escudero |
Benedictine |
Sr. |
Los Angeles, Calif. |
| LB |
Karlis Ozols |
Lakeland |
Sr. |
Fond du Lac, Wis. |
| LB |
Savon Goodwin |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Sr. |
New Orleans, La. |
| LB |
Layson Handwork |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Jr. |
Merritt Island, Fla. |
| DB |
Joshua Coats |
Benedictine |
Sr. |
Chicago Heights, Ill. |
| DB |
Marvin Rushing |
Concordia Chicago |
Sr. |
Detroit, Mich. |
| DB |
Gio Nowotarski |
Concordia Wisconsin |
Sr. |
Reading, Pa. |
| DB |
Connor Martin |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Sr. |
Chino, Calif. |
| DB |
Brandon Antczak |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Sr. |
Mukwonago, Wis. |
| RET |
DeVayne Isom |
Eureka |
Fr. |
Hawthorne, Nev. |
| P |
Kaden Finnestad |
Rockford |
Jr. |
Belvidere, Ill. |
| PK |
Arnulfo Ortega |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Sr. |
Laredo, Texas |
| Pos. |
Honorable Mention |
School |
Yr. |
Hometown |
| TE |
Robert Cooper |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Fort Pierce, Fla. |
| DL |
Deuce Moore |
Aurora |
Sr. |
Lepanto, Ark. |
| DB |
Jeremy Thomas |
Aurora |
So. |
Flossmoor, Ill. |
| DL |
Jose Barragan |
Benedictine |
Jr. |
Aurora, Ill. |
| WR/RET |
Alexander Corbett |
Benedictine |
Sr. |
Gilberts, Ill. |
| OL |
John Fennell |
Benedictine |
So. |
Shorewood, Ill. |
| QB |
Colton Bosch |
Concordia Chicago |
So. |
Coopersville, Mich. |
| OL |
Jailynn Franklin |
Concordia Chicago |
Sr. |
New Orleans, La. |
| LB |
Travon Thomas |
Concordia Chicago |
Sr. |
Wauchula, Fla. |
| TE |
TJ Harrold |
Concordia Wisconsin |
Sr. |
Rosenberg, Texas |
| DE |
Jadon Lewis |
Concordia Wisconsin |
Fr. |
Milwaukee, Wis. |
| WR |
Jason Leonard |
Concordia Wisconsin |
Jr. |
Tampa, Fla. |
| DB |
Daniel Parhams |
Eureka |
Fr. |
Columbus, Ga. |
| DE |
Derrick Payton Jr. |
Eureka |
So. |
West Seattle, Wash. |
| DB |
Derrion Rogers |
Eureka |
Fr. |
Elmore City, Okla. |
| RB |
Jatron Bevly |
Lakeland |
Jr. |
Springfield, Ill. |
| LB |
Charles Kobe |
Lakeland |
Sr. |
Glendale, Wis. |
| OL |
Davarion Stevenson |
Lakeland |
Fr. |
Chicago, Ill. |
| DL |
Nasir Lamarre |
Rockford |
Jr. |
Chicago, Ill. |
| OL |
Matheus Salomoni |
Rockford |
Jr. |
Cooper City, Fla. |
| OL |
Aramis Steward |
Rockford |
Fr. |
Calumet City, Ill. |
| DB |
Drew Jurack |
St. Norbert |
Sr. |
Waukesha, Wis. |
| QB |
Peyton Lyon |
St. Norbert |
Jr. |
Oshkosh, Wis. |
| OL |
Bo Olsen |
St. Norbert |
Jr. |
Sandwich, Ill. |
| OL |
Vinny Brim |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Sr. |
Oconomowoc, Wis. |
| LB |
Nathan Nevad |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Jr. |
Merritt Island, Fla. |
| DL |
Alan Tavarez |
Wisconsin Lutheran |
Gr. |
Brown Deer, Wis. |