A huge rivalry victory over the weekend has Hillsdale buzzing this Monday afternoon, and one of the key players in that win is receiving special recognition from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

Junior linebacker Luke Penola was named the G-MAC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Hillsdale's 28-17 win over Ashland on Saturday. It's Penola's second G-MAC Defensive Player of the Week honor this season, and Hillsdale's eighth weekly conference honor in 2026.

Penola was all over the field for the Chargers against the Eagles, recording nine tackles, including one for loss, and a quarterback hurry. None of his plays were bigger than his fourth quarter interception. With Hillsdale leading 21-17 with 10 minutes to play and Ashland facing third and five at their own 12, Penola made a leaping grab to snatch Ashland quarterback Darrell Shumpert's would-be third down conversion out of the air, then ran that pick back 20 yards for what ended up being the game-sealing touchdown in the Chargers' win. With the victory, Hillsdale reclaimed the Traveling Trophy it shares with Ashland for the first time since 2022, and, with its seventh win of the year, also ensured its best record for a season since 2018.

The interception was Penola's first of the season but the junior linebacker has been a force for Hillsdale from the start of the campaign. Named a rare junior captain by the Chargers for his impressive leadership as an underclassman, Penola's led by example on the field, posting 81 tackles to lead the team and rank sixth in the G-MAC through 10 games. He's also put up four sacks, seven tackles for loss and seven quarterback hurries while helping the Chargers defense rank 10th in NCAA DII in scoring defense, and tied for seventh in the nation in team sacks.

Penola and the Chargers will look to wrap up a successful season with another victory on the road this weekend, as Hillsdale travels to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio Dominican at noon on Saturday.