Berrios Smith Named NEFC Defensive Player of the Week

NEFC Release

Wallkill, N.Y. native recorded four tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception returned for a touchdown in Saturday's 56-27 win at Nichols

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (October 3, 2016) – Senior defensive back Isaiah Berrios Smith (Wallkill, N.Y.) of the Western New England University football team has been named the New England Football Conference's (NEFC) Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in Saturday's 56-27 victory at Nichols.

Berrios Smith recorded four tackles and three pass breakups in the win over the Bison, while also returning an interception 43 yards for a touchdown with 6:19 remaining in the third quarter. His interception return came at a key moment in the game, with Nichols starting a drive down by just 15 points (29-14) after scoring on the opening possession of the second half. Berrios Smith's touchdown effectively sealed the win for Western New England, as it gave the Golden Bears a 35-14 lead and sparked a 20-0 run that saw the visitors open up a 49-14 advantage early in the fourth quarter.

Through five games this season, the Wallkill, N.Y. native has recorded 15 tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions and one blocked kick. He now has a pick in consecutive games after intercepting Curry's Alex Corvese in the third quarter of last Saturday's 59-28 win over the Colonels at Golden Bear Stadium.

A two-time All-NEFC first team selection, Berrios Smith's career statistics include 138 tackles, 14 pass breakups and five interceptions in 36 games.

Also collecting weekly recognition from the NEFC were junior quarterback Anthony Service (Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) and freshman tight end Josh Henry (Wilbraham, Mass.), who both earned spots on the Offensive Honor Roll.

Service completed 9-of-14 pass attempts for 233 yards and three touchdowns to go with an additional 53 yards and one score on the ground, while Henry finished with four receptions for 69 yards and one touchdown.

Western New England (5-0, 2-0 NEFC) will be off this weekend, before returning home to host MIT on Saturday, October 15.