McClellan’s Three INTs Claim 23-Year-Old SXU School Record and NAIA Defensive Player of the Week for Sept. 22

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Taj McClellan tied a Saint Xavier (Ill.) record that had stood for nearly 23 years, recording three interceptions in the Cougars’ 21-7 win over Madonna (Mich.), taking NAIA Defensive Player of the Week honors for Sept. 22.

A junior from Joliet, Ill., McClellan also recorded six tackles and two pass breakups as Saint Xavier picked up its first win of the season, improving to 1-2. His three picks tied an SXU record last accomplished on Sept. 28, 2002, by former SXU standout Tom Bijak (2000-2003).

McClellan’s first pick set up the Cougars’ third score of the second quarter, and a possession later, McClellan intercepted his second pass of the game at the Saint Xavier eight-yard line, stalling a Madonna drive before halftime. 

In the third quarter, McClellan tacked on his third interception, again deep in SXU territory, this time laying on his back and still managing to pick off Madonna quarterback Keel Watson to stop what would have been back-to-back scoring drives for the Crusaders. 

McClellan ended his night with a tackle on fourth down, with nine seconds remaining to put the 14-point win on ice. SXU travels to Lawrence Tech (Mich.), Saturday, in search of consecutive wins. 

NAIA Football Players of the Week are announced Monday afternoons at NAIA.org.