FOOTBALL CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL SEASON IN STYLE
December 9, 2008
FOOTBALL CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL SEASON IN STYLE
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| Bryce Martins accepts the Bulldog Black & Gold award at Saturday's annual football awards dinner. |
SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Following back-to-back conference championships and NCAA appearances, the Bryant football team wasn't eligible for postseason play this year with its move to Division I, but that didn't stop the Bulldogs from enjoying one of the best seasons in school history.
Under the direction of fifth-year coach Marty Fine, the Bulldogs posted a 7-4 record in their first year competing at the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).
Behind the power running of the dangerous junior tailback combo of Jerell Smith (Brooklyn, NY) and Lindsey Gamble (Roxbury, MA) and a solid defense, the Bulldogs earned Division I wins over Wagner, Robert Morris, Duquesne, Iona and Saint Francis.
Bryant finished the season ranked in several NCAA
statistical categories, including: rushing defense, 16th
(100.8), turnovers gained, 11th (30), fewest penalties
per game, 13th (4.7), red zone defense, 13th
and sacks per game, 15th (2.64).
Last Saturday, the Bulldogs celebrated the season at the annual Bryant Football Awards banquet and dinner. More than 400 parents, family, campus dignitaries and guest turned out for the tremendous evening. Several former standouts made the return trip to campus including Alex Chaparro, Barrington Little, Ralph Squitieri, Dashon Loyd, Shane Cheltenham, and Greg Daniel.
Junior linebacker Paul Polomski (Franklin, MA) was named the defensive player of the year with a team-best 67 tackles and three interceptions. Smith was named the offensive player of the year with a team-high 1,254 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He rushed for over 100 yards six times including a career-high 221 vs. Southern Connecticut.
Bryce Martins (Uncasville, CT) was awarded the Black & Gold Award as voted on by the players. Martins, a senior defensive back, finished second on the team with 61 tackles and and three interceptions.
Here is a complete list of awards handed out by coach Marty Fine:
Black & Gold Award: Bryce Martins (Uncasville, CT)
Offensive Player of Year: Jerell Smith (Brooklyn, NY)
Defensive Player of Year: Paul Polomski (Franklin, MA)
Offensive Lineman: Tyler DiGiovanni (Columbia, CT)
Defensive Lineman: Patrick Gauthier (Worcester, MA)
Scout Team: Mike Croce (Waterbury, CT)
Matt Tracey (Bow Mar, CO)
Most Improved: Addison Lynch (Braintree, MA)
Ross Giffune (Foxboro, MA)
Character Award: Jordan Levesque (Fall River, MA)
Special Teams: Andre Whyte (Bennington, VT)
Anthony Castelli (Cranston, RI)
Academic: Jake Meyer (Brooks, GA)
Brian Donnelly (East Dennis, MA)
Mike Croce (Waterbury, CT)
Doug Emerzian (Rowley, MA)
Tim McManus (Smithtown, NY)
Jake Eddy (Rutland, VT)
Captains: Alex Grande (New Bedford, MA)
Dan Curci (Hasbrouck Heights, NJ)
Michael Morgan (New London, CT)
Bryan Wood (Westboro, MA)
Bryce Martins (Uncasville, CT)
