The Valparaiso University football program announced its weekly team awards on Monday following a 20-13 road setback on Saturday at St. Thomas.

Senior Jaxon Peifer (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community) was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Week. He tied a career high and paced the team with 14 tackles, including six solo stops. He notched one tackle for loss while also recording a pass breakup.

In addition, the program named a trio of Scout Team Players of the Week – freshman wide receiver Dom Grguric (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio / Walsh Jesuit) for offense, sophomore defensive back Marvin Rushing (Detroit, Mich. / Cass Technical) for defense and sophomore linebacker James Doerer (Grosse Pointe, Mich.) for special teams.

The Beacons have a bye week before returning to action on Saturday, Oct. 23 at noon vs. Dayton at Brown Field.