Connell & Etuka Honored by NEFC Following Title-Clinching Victory at Salve Regina on Saturday
Connell named Offensive Player of the Week, Etuka recognized as Co-Defensive Player of the Week
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 7, 2016) – Senior running back Nick Connell (East Marion, N.Y.) and senior cornerback Obi Etuka (Middletown, Conn.) of the Western New England University football team have both received weekly honors from the New England Football Conference (NEFC) following the Golden Bears' NEFC title-clinching victory at Salve Regina on Saturday.
Connell was named the conference's Offensive Player of the Week, while Etuka collected co-Defensive Player of the Week honors after the duo led Western New England to a 41-22 triumph over the Seahawks to secure the program's second consecutive NEFC title and third in program history.
Connell enjoyed a career rushing day, establishing new highs in carries (30), yards (170) and touchdowns (four) against a defensive unit that entered Saturday's action ranked second in NCAA Division III in rushing defense. His four scores included runs of five, seven, 19 and 25 yards, while the senior captain averaged 5.7 yards on his 30 carries.
Through nine games this season, Connell ranks second in the NEFC with 873 rushing yards and tied for third with ten rushing touchdowns. In 37 career games, he has compiled 2420 yards on 439 carries (5.5 avg.) and 25 touchdowns on the ground. His 2420 rushing yards and 25 scores both rank fifth in program history.
Etuka earns co-Defensive Player of the Week accolades after recording a team-high seven tackles (one for loss) to go with three pass breakups and his 19th career interception, adding to his own program record.
Western New England (9-0, 6-0 NEFC) will look to complete its second consecutive undefeated regular season next Saturday, when Coast Guard visits Golden Bear Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
