Bethany's Joyce Named PAC Defensive Player of the Week

Bethany College junior defensive back Jeff Joyce has been named the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Defensive Player of the Week for Sept. 6.

The 5-10, 180-pound junior played a huge role in the Bison's decisive 28-7 victory at Allegheny in Saturday night's season opener. In addition to making three tackles, he tied the school's single-game record with two interceptions. His first pick was in the Bison end zone to thwart Allegheny's best scoring chance in the first half.

Joyce then stepped in front of a Gator pass in the fourth quarter following BC's final scoring drive and allowed the Green and White cement its first season opening win since 2007. His efforts helped Bethany limit Allegheny to seven points and just 189 total yards, while also forcing three turnovers.

This is the first weekly PAC honor for Joyce, who is in his second season as a starter in the secondary for the Bison. He originally came to Bethany to play quarterback and switched to wide receiver for a short time before settling in at defensive back. Last year, he made 63 tackles and also averaged 22.7 yards per kick return, which earned him Honorable Mention All-PAC as a returner.

"Jeff worked very hard this summer to come back from shoulder surgery to be ready for the season, and we're happy he made such a big impact in a game that meant so much to our program," said Bethany head coach Tim Weaver. "He's becoming very comfortable at defensive back now that he's been there for a couple of years, and we expect more big plays from him as the season continues."