Valparaiso University football senior captain Mark Johnson (Nashville, Tenn. / Lipscomb Academy) was recognized by the Pioneer Football League on Sunday as he was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in Valpo's 21-13 victory over three-time defending Pioneer Football League champion Drake.
 
Johnson made two key interceptions as part of the team's six-takeaway, four-interception performance as the Beacons shut out the Bulldogs in the second half to secure the victory. Johnson's interceptions both came at crucial junctures. The first was with Valpo trailing 13-7 early in the third quarter and featured a 31-yard return to the Drake 22, plus a Drake penalty on that play set up Valpo at the 11-yard line. The Beacons found the endzone for the go-ahead score on that drive.
 
Johnson's second pick came with three minutes left in the game and Valpo protecting an eight-point lead, allowing the Beacons to run out the vast majority of the clock on the ensuing possession. Johnson, who also had four tackles and a pass breakup, helped Valpo beat Drake at home for the first time since 2003, also ending Drake's 15-game road PFL winning streak. Johnson's performance came against the team that entered the game leading the FCS nation in passing yards per game. 
 
Johnson and teammate Nic Lendino became the first Valpo pair to each have multiple interceptions in the same game in over 20 years. They became just the second duo nationally in FCS to record that feat this season.
 
This marks Valpo's third PFL weekly award of the season as Chris Gundy was twice named PFL Special Teams Player of the Week. This represents Valpo's first PFL Defensive Player of the Week honor since Gabriel Batres on Aug. 31, 2025. Johnson earned his second career PFL Defensive Player of the Week award as he was previously honored on Oct. 27, 2024 after a 10-tackle performance against Marist that featured a game-winning pass breakup on Marist's final offensive snap of that contest.
 
The Beacons will be back in action this Saturday at San Diego at 3 p.m. CT on ESPN+ as they seek a third consecutive victory.