ST. LOUIS, Mo. – North Dakota defensive back Cole Davis was one of five players to earn Missouri Valley Football Conference Player of the Week honors on Sunday night, earning the title of Co-Newcomer of the Week. Davis earned the accolade for his special teams contributions in the 35-30 victory at Youngstown State on Saturday evening.

Davis' heads-up play midway through the fourth quarter played a large role in the 35-30 win against the Penguins. In the back-and-forth contest, Davis gave the Fighting Hawks momentum, blocking a punt and returning it three yards for a touchdown to put UND up 35-24 with 8:38 remaining in the contest. The touchdown was the first for Davis in his career.

With the blocked punt, Davis became the first UND player to score on a blocked punt since April 24, 2021, when Hayden Reynolds blocked a Missouri State punt and scored in the 44-10 win.

Davis shares the accolade with Ian Wagner of Illinois State. Wagner made three field goals, including the eventual game-winner with 12:50 left in the game to propel the Redbirds past the Panthers, 23-21, on Saturday. It was Wagner's first game as a Redbird, finishing three-of-four on field goal attempts. He connected from 33 yards, 25 yards and the eventual game-winner of 41 yards.

The Fighting Hawks have this weekend off before hosting the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State at 3 p.m. on Oct. 22. The game will be televised by Midco Sports and will be carried by the Home of Economy Radio Network.