BOONEVILLE – Fresh off a career-best performance that included 10 tackles and two interceptions, sophomore free safety Turner Rotenberry has been named both the MACJC and NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week.

Rotenberry is just the second Ranger to earn defensive player of the week honors this season. Cornerback Joshua Norwood received prior recognition following a 61-38 victory against then-No. 1 East Mississippi in October.

The South Panola product and Batesville native recorded 10 total tackles and two for loss against Hinds in the MACJC Semifinals last Saturday. He also reeled in two interceptions, one of them returned 41 yards for a touchdown on the second play from scrimmage, and added three breakups and a forced fumble.

Rotenberry has now returned three interceptions for a touchdown in his Ranger career, tying Johnathan Shaw (1999-00) and Demetric Wright (1999-00) for most all-time. 

Northwest currently ranks third in the nation in scoring defense (12.4 ppg) and eighth in total defense (245.6 ypg) this season. Rotenberry is second on the team with 50 tackles.

The No. 4 Rangers will host No.1 East Mississippi on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. for the MACJC Championship.