ATLANTA, Ga. - Sophomore defensive linemen Zach Bell was named the inaugural Defensive Player of the Week for his performances against Mississippi College in Week One and his career day against LaGrange College last weekend.

"I think he's had two good weeks in a row and he has improved week after week," said Head Coach Aaron Pelch. "He made plays against Mississippi College and then we looked at what he did wrong and fixed it in the LaGrange and he continued to be productive."

Bell got the season started off right in a 23-17 win over their arch rivals, the Mississippi College Choctaws in Backyard Brawl XIII. Bell picked up five tackles on the afternoon including 2.5 tackles for loss and a key sack in the second half.

Things only got better for the sophomore out of New Orleans, La. as he followed his performance up with the best game of his career so far against LaGrange last weekend. Bell led the way with six tackles on the afternoon to go along with two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a blocked punt as the Majors destroyed the Panthers 54-7. 

"He's playing as well as anybody on the defense," added Pelch. "He's been very productive in his reps and we're very pleased with the way he's playing."

Bell and the Majors are back in action this weekend as they travel to Valley, Ala. to take on the Point University Skyhawks at 12 p.m. CST.