Miller Earns KCAC Defensive Player of the Week Honors

A core piece of an Avila defense that shut down Bethany after the first quarter in Saturday's season opener, senior safety Trevon Miller has been named the KCAC's Defensive Player of the Week for the week of August 21-27, the conference announced this week.

After Avila rallied to take an 18-17 lead on the Swedes going into halftime on Saturday night in Lindsborg, Miller and the Eagle defense shut the Swedes down, permitting just one touchdown in garbage time in the fourth quarter in a 46-23 victory for the NAIA's No. 18-ranked team.

Miller was a centerpiece of that defensive success. With Bethany driving in the fourth quarter, the senior from Matthews, North Carolina intercepted quarterback Peyton Mainolfi on Avila's 7-yard line and returned it 50 yards across midfield. Five plays later, Eli Williams hit Robert Brooks III for a touchdown to pad Avila's lead.

On Bethany's very next possession, Miller struck again, this time intercepting Landry Shields at the exact same spot, the 7-yard line, and this time scampering 79 yards up the visiting sideline before finally being halted at the Bethany 14-yard line. Two plays later, Williams scored his sixth touchdown of the night to put a bow on Avila's season-opening victory.

Miller finished the game with a stunning total of 129 return yards along with five tackles, including a TFL.

Up next, Miller and the Eagles return home to Kansas City for the first of many ranked matchups at The Z this fall. #11 Southwestern is on tap first; kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 AM. Admission is $10 per car, and you can watch the broadcast live and for free on the Avila Sports Network.