Connor Dunlea Named Frontier Conference Defensive Player Of The Week

Football October 6, 2025 Claire Gay

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Western defensive back Connor Dunlea picked up Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Football Defensive Player of the Week Honors, the conference office announced Monday. It is the first player of the week nod of his career.

Montana Western has now received a conference player of the week award for performances in its past four contest. Dunlea joins Tyler Walker (Defensive, 9/8), Maclain Burckley (Special Teams, 9/22), and Seth Shook (Offensive, 9/29).

"It was awesome to see Connor make another big jump this week," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "He made important plays to help our defense be successful and our team get a win. His growth as a player has been impressive and he is becoming a force in our defensive backfield."

Dunlea was a key part of the Bulldogs defensive efforts in their 40-20 victory at Southern Oregon. He put on a strong showing against the Raiders, posting a team-best nine tackles including a career-high six solo take downs.

The Malin, Ore., native also tallied one interception and a game-high two pass-breakups. His interception was on the Raiders first pass of the second half and led directly to a Bulldogs TD that put them up 30-14.

Dunlea is currently tied for second in the Frontier in passes defended (seven) while ranking third in pass breakups (six) and tied for fifth in solo tackles (18). He is also tied for ninth in total tackles (34) and tied for 10th in tackles per game (6.8).

LOOKING AHEAD

UMW returns to Bulldog Stadium Saturday (10/11) when they host #17 Carroll. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. MT.