BRIGHTON, Mich. – Junior Emil Drake has been named this week's Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Football Defensive Athlete of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.

This is the fourth time this season that the MIAA has recognized one of the Thunder, the second for a member of the defensive unit. This is the first time Drake has earned the award at Trine.

The Oakland, Calif. native led a stifling defensive effort by the Thunder in their 40-16 victory over Albion College. The starting defense dominated the visitors, holding Albion to just 164 total yards offense through the first three quarters.

Drake led the team with seven tackles and recorded one of the team's three interceptions. He also led the team with four solo tackles and one tackle for a loss.

The Thunder remain unbeaten in MIAA play with three wins; they are 5-1 overall. They will next take the field when they travel to Adrian College for the 2026 edition of the Border Brawl. The rivalry contest is scheduled to kickoff at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 24.