SEWARD, Neb. – Following the win over Mount Marty, Concordia University, Nebraska Football pulled in two of three GPAC weekly awards announced on Monday (Sept. 21) by the conference office. Senior Collin Fritton was named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Special Teams Player of the Week and junior Kaden Thompson was tabbed the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player of the Week. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad has earned three conference player of the week honors in 2026.
A transfer from Northern State University (S.D.), Fritton returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in the 42-24 homecoming victory over the Lancers. It marked Concordia’s first kickoff return for a score since Adam Van Cleave accomplished that feat at Morningside last season. Fritton wound up with two kickoff returns for 110 yards and one reception for eight yards. The Lincoln Southwest High School product Fritton has hauled in 16 receptions for 250 yards and three touchdowns in his first season with the Bulldogs. He is an Accounting major.
On the defensive side of the ball, Thompson led Concordia’s ball-hawking efforts versus Mount Marty. The North Platte, Neb., native plucked two interceptions, thwarting two separate red zone trips for the Lancers. In the win, Thompson also posted seven tackles (one for loss) and two pass breakups. Thompson combined with his teammates for five interceptions of Mount Marty quarterback Rugby Ryken. On the season, Thompson shares the GPAC and NAIA national leads with four picks.
The Bulldogs (2-1, 2-1 GPAC) will be back at home this Saturday to host No. 16 Dordt (1-2, 1-1 GPAC). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT from Bulldog Stadium.
2026 GPAC Players of the Week
Sept. 21 – Collin Fritton (Special Teams) / Kaden Thompson (Defense)
Aug. 31 – ^Gideon Stark (Offense)
^ NAIA National Player of the Week (@NAIAFBALL)