Jolicoeur Named NEFC Defensive Player of the Week
Three other Golden Bears earn spots on NEFC Honor Roll
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (October 31, 2016) – Sophomore Kurtis Jolicoeur (Windham, N.H.) of the Western New England University football team has been named the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Defensive Player of the Week following the Golden Bears' 48-25 win over Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday.
Jolicoeur recorded ten tackles (eight solo), including 1.5 for a loss of seven yards from his bear position as Western New England improved to 8-0 and 5-0 in NEFC play. With the Golden Bears leading 14-0 early in the first quarter, he was able to force a fumble by deflecting Maine Maritime junior quarterback Corey Creeger's option pitch, before recovering the ball at the Mariners' 35-yard line.
Aiken |
Jolicoeur |
Lapinski |
Service |
Through eight games this season, Jolicoeur leads the team and ranks eighth in the NEFC with 53 tackles, with 8.5 resulting in a loss of 27 yards. His two sacks and one forced fumble are also tied for first on the team.
In addition to Jolicoeur, three other Golden Bears were recognized by the NEFC with spots on the Weekly Honor Roll. Junior quarterback Anthony Service (Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) completed 9-of-17 pass attempts for 130 yards and three touchdowns, in the process breaking the program record for single season passing touchdowns (19) set by Tyler Ward last fall. Service also carried the ball four times for 46 yards, finishing with 176 yards of total offense.
Junior Dante Aiken (Brooklyn, N.Y.) earned his Honor Roll selection on special teams after returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, while freshman defensive lineman Joe Lapinski (Sparta, N.J.) was recognized by the NEFC for the first time in his career following his six-tackle performance.
Western New England (8-0, 5-0 NEFC) will be on the road at Salve Regina (7-0, 5-0 NEFC) on Saturday with the NEFC title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament on the line.