Valparaiso University sixth-year senior punter Evan Matthes (Reston, Va. / South Lake [West Virginia]) was recognized by the Pioneer Football League office on Sunday as he was tabbed the league’s Special Teams Player of the Week.

Matthes played a key role in pinning Dayton deep on a regular basis in Saturday’s 21-7 victory over the Flyers at Brown Field. He averaged 41.7 yards per punt on seven attempts with a long of 53, pinning five of his seven boots inside the 20 including three inside the 10 and two inside the 5.

Matthes, who leads the PFL and ranks 18^th nationally in punting average at 42.8, becomes Valpo’s first PFL weekly award winner in 2023. The Beacons will host Stetson on Saturday at noon for Senior Day.