Western New England College
Football News

News from the 2000 Season

TEN WNEC PLAYERS NAMED TO THE
2000 NEFC ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Ten members of the Western New England College squad were selected to the 2000 New England Football Conference (NEFC) Academic Team.

They are sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Coon (Rochester, NY), Electrical Engineering; sophomore offensive tackle Wayne Demers (Easthampton, MA), Accounting; sophomore linebacker Corey Goldstein (New Hyde Park, NY), Finance; junior guard Dave Kapusta (Naugatuck, CT), Electrical Engineering, and junior wide receiver Jody Lemoi (Scituate, RI), Sport Management.

Also, junior free safety Brian Luce (Anson, ME), Electrical Engineering; senior offensive tackle Dave Roach (Middlebury, CT), History; sophomore defensive end Dominick Sondrini (Dalton, MA), Business; sophomore cornerback Anthony Verdile (East Longmeadow, MA), Sport Management, and senior defensive end Brian Yanke (Bristol, CT), Electrical Engineering.

GOLDEN BEARS TO VISIT SHRINERS HOSPITAL ON SATURDAY, APRIL 7

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Twenty-five members of the Western New England College football team will make a trip to the Shriner's Hospital in Springfield on Saturday, April 7.

"We plan to stop by and visit with the young patients in the rehabilitation area," said head coach Gerry Martin. "This is a nice way to spend the afternoon and something we enjoy doing."

BILL MOORE NAMED OFFENSIVE FOOTBALL COORDINATOR

By TOM EMBERLEY '01

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Former University of New Hampshire football standout Bill Moore has been named offensive coordinator at Western New England College, head coach Gerry Martin announced Tuesday (Jan. 23, 2001).

"Bill is a tremendous addition to our staff," said Martin. "He has an extensive football background as a player and coach, and we're happy and excited to have him join the Golden Bears program."

Moore was the offensive line coach at Springfield College the past three years and a graduate assistant coach in 1994 and 1995. The Pride set a school record with an 11-2 mark last fall, captured the Freedom Football Conference, and advanced to the East Region final of the NCAA Division III Tournament. SC also led the nation's Division III schools in rushing the last two years, establishing a NCAA record 4,275 yards in 2000. One of Moore's players, Matt Sallila, was selected to the 2000 Hewlett Packard Division III All-American Team.

Prior to his second coaching stint at Springfield, Moore was the defensive coordinator and line coach at Agawam High School for two seasons (1996, 1997). He has been a social studies instructor at the school since 1996. Moore also was the assistant offensive line coach and JV offensive coordinator at Princeton University in 1993 and post-graduate offensive line coach at Maine Central Institute in 1992.

Moore, a native of Annandale, New Jersey, is a 1991 graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in history. While at UNH, he was a four-year starter at guard and center for the Wildcats, helping lead the team to the Yankee Conference title and the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in his senior season (1991).

Moore earned his master of education degree in secondary education at Springfield in 1996. He resides in Wilbraham.

(Tom Emberley is a student assistant in the athletic communications office at Western New England College. A native of Fitchburg, he is a senior sport management major.)

JUNIOR TAILBACK MARVIN LANGLEY ENJOYS RECORD-BREAKING YEAR

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College junior tailback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME – Lewiston High School) added another award to his collection on December 5 when he was named to the 2000 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Northeast Football All-Star first team.

In November, Langley was selected to the New England Football Writers' Division II/III All-Star squad and voted the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Co-Offensive Player-of-the-Year. He is the first player in school history to win the NEFC award.

Langley led the NEFC in rushing (1,253 yards, 19th nationally), scoring average (12.7 points per game, fifth nationally) and all-purpose yards (193.9 yards per game, seventh nationally), and was seventh in total offense (141.9). He set or tied 12 school records, including yards rushing in a game (296 vs. Framingham State) and touchdowns in a season (19). Langley averaged 139.2 yards a game rushing, which was second among New England Division III runners.

Langley and senior offensive tackle Dave Roach (Middlebury, CT – Pomperaug High School) made the NEFC All-Star first team and the ECAC Division III All-Star second team while senior linebacker Ryan Watson (Rockland, MA – Rockland High School) was a second team All-Conference selection.

With Roach helping to lead the way, Western New England finished fifth among the 14 conference schools in rushing offense (177.7 yards per game) and sixth in total offense (305.3) and scoring (21.3). Watson led the Golden Bears with 64 tackles (29 unassisted) and two sacks.

Junior defensive back/returner Brian Luce (Anson, ME – Madison Memorial High School) was third in the NEFC and 13th nationally in kickoff returns with a 27.4 average. He was sixth in the conference in punt returns (10.0 avg.). Luce also was named to the Verizon College Division District 1 Academic All-America Team. Junior cornerback Lester Johnson (Springfield, MA – Central High School) was second in the NEFC and 21st nationally in interceptions (6). Freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY – Greeley High School) was fourth in the conference in pass efficiency (110.17 rating). He completed 74-of-139 passes (53.2%) for 960 yards with five touchdowns and nine interceptions in nine games(eight starts). Sotherden also set a school record for the longest touchdown pass in school history (79 yards to Langley in the season finale against Fitchburg State).

Western New England posted a 4-5 record this fall after compiling a 3-7 mark last year. The Golden Bears lost three games by 10 points and finished fifth in the NEFC Boyd Division with a 2-4 record.

SCHOOL RECORDS SET BY MARVIN LANGLEY IN 2000

Game – Rushing Yards – 296 at Framingham State (10/21). Old mark 241 set by Shane McColgan vs. Nichols (1998). Game – Rushing Touchdowns – 4 vs. Framingham State (10/21). Old mark set by three players, last time by Andy Kaneris vs. MIT (1998). Game – All-Purpose Yards – 331 at Framingham State (10/21). Old mark 309 set by Jim Parker vs. Fitchburg State (1987). Game – Longest Pass for Touchdown Ð 79 yards from Matt Sotherden vs. Fitchburg State (11/4). Old mark was 75 yards from Matt Luccarelli to Tim Sunderland vs. Worcester State (1994). Season – Rushing Yards – 1,253. Old mark 1,165 set by Andy Kaneris (1998). Season – Rushing Attempts – 249. Old mark 222 set by Steve Carroll (1993). Season – Touchdowns – 19. Old mark 12 set by Andy Kaneris (1998). Season – Rushing Touchdowns – 17. Old mark 12 set by Andy Kaneris (1998). Season – Points – 114. Old mark 78 set by Andy Kaneris (1998). Season – All-Purpose Yards – 1745. Old mark 1,640 set by Langley (1999). Career – Points – 174. Old mark 114 set by Andy Kaneris (1994-98).

In addition, Langley tied the school record for points in a game (24 vs. Framingham State) first established by Rich Tuggey vs. Westfield State in 1982.

Langley also was the recipient of two Coca-Cola Gold Helmet Awards as the New England Division III Player-of-the-Week (which tied a NEFC record).

During the season, Langley moved from eighth to third place on the all-time school rushing list with 2,307 yards.

JUNIOR BRIAN LUCE SELECTED TO VERIZON ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA DISTRICT 1 TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 10, 2000) – Western New England College junior cornerback Brian Luce (Anson, ME – Madison Area Memorial High School) was named Thursday (Nov. 9) to the 2000 Verizon Academic All-America District 1 Football Team.

Luce is a Dean's List student with a cumulative 3.44 grade-point-average in electrical engineering.

Luce was second on the team with 62 tackles (40 unassisted) this fall. He finished third in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) with a 27.4 average for 17 kickoff returns, and sixth in the conference with a 10.0 average for 15 punt returns.

Earlier this season, Luce established a Golden Bears' record with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in a 42-35 victory over Curry College, breaking the old mark of 90 set by Mike Tavarozzi against Westfield State College in 1983.

Western New England College finished with a 4-5 record after posting a 3-7 mark in 1999. District 1 includes all Division II and III football institutions in New England and New York State. The National Verizon Academic All-America team will be announced on December 5.

JUNIOR BRIAN LUCE SELECTED WNEC ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 7, 2000) – Football standout Brian Luce (Anson, ME – Madison Area Memorial High School) was honored Tuesday (Nov. 7) as the Western New England College Athlete-of-the-Week.

Luce, a junior defensive back, compiled 120 all-purpose yards and had seven tackles in a 21-20 loss against Fitchburg State College last Saturday (Nov. 4). He returned three kickoffs for 87 yards with a long of 31 and had three punt returns for 23 yards with a long of 15.

Luce finished third in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) with a 27.4 average for 17 kickoff returns, and sixth in the conference with a 10.0 average for 15 punt returns. He also was second on the team with 62 tackles (40 unassisted).

Earlier this season, Luce established a Golden Bears' record with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in a 42-35 victory over Curry College, breaking the old mark of 90 set by Mike Tavarozzi against Westfield State College in 1983.

Luce is a Dean's List student majoring in electrical engineering at Western New England College. He is a candidate for the prestigious Verizon Academic All-America Team.

Western New England College finished with a 4-5 record this fall after posting a 3-7 mark in 1999.

FITCHBURG STATE HOLDS OFF WNEC
BY THE SCORE OF 21-20

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 4, 2000) – Senior quarterback Nino DeCarolis completed 13-of-24 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns as visiting Fitchburg State College held on for a 21-20 victory over Western New England College before 2,875 fans during Family and Friends Weekend.

The Falcons end their season with a 5-4 record while the Golden Bears finish with a 4-5 mark.

Trailing 8-7 at halftime, DeCarolis fired scoring passes of four yards to senior receiver Kevin Callahan and 72 yards to senior split end Tanner Grove to give Fitchburg State a 21-8 lead with 8:49 remaining the third quarter.

Western New England rallied by scoring 12 points in the final two minutes of the game. Freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (7-for-13, 133 yards) hit junior tailback Marvin Langley with a 79-yard touchdown pass, but the extra point was no good as the Golden Bears trailed, 21-14, with 1:58 left in the game.

WNEC junior cornerback Lester Johnson then blocked a punt that junior linebacker Corey Goldstein returned to the Falcons two where Langley scored on the following play with 46 seconds remaining.

Western New England went for the two-point conversion and win, but came up short when Sotherden's pass was just out of reach of senior tight end Eric Dunning in the end zone.

Langley gave the Golden Bears an early 6-0 lead on a 20-yard run with 12:43 left in the first quarter. DeCarolis then scored on a one-yard sneak to give the Falcons a 7-6 advantage with 42 seconds left in the period.

Western New England took a one-point lead at intermission scoring on a safety when senior punter Joe Davolio was tackled in the end zone following a bad snap with 7:26 left in the second quarter.

Langley rushed for 117 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns, and set a school single season rushing mark with 1,253 yards, breaking the old mark of 1,165 set by Andy Kaneris in 1998. Langley also set a single season record of 1,719 all-purpose yards, breaking his old mark of 1,640 set last year, and finished the year with a school record 114 points (19 touchdowns).

Fitchburg State sophomore running back Carld Auguste ran for a game-high 196 yards on 33 carries (5.9 average). Fitchburg State outgained Western New England by a 402-247 margin.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND HOSTS FITCHBURG STATE IN SEASON FINALE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 31, 2000) – Western New England College hopes to end its season with a winning record against visiting Fitchburg State College in a New England Football Conference (NEFC) non-division contest starting at noon Saturday (Nov. 4) during Family and Friends Weekend.

After already surpassing last year's win total of three, the Golden Bears (4-4) have a chance to tie the school record for wins in a season (previously set in 1981, 1989, and 1998) and compile their third winning campaign in four years.

Twelve seniors will be honored before the game for their contributions to the program. They are linebacker Kevin Bateni (Westerly, RI), defensive end Steve Bonczek (Manalapan, NJ), tight end Eric Dunning (Hancock, NH), fullback Scott Gould (Brookfield, CT), offensive guard Adam Hill (Gardiner, ME), and defensive back John Hyatt (Milford, CT), linebacker Corey Laczynski (Gill, MA), defensive back Chris Prescott (Fairfield, CT), offensive tackle Dave Roach (Middlebury, CT), linebacker Mike Tedesco (Nashua, NH), linebacker Ryan Watson (Rockland, MA), and defensive lineman Brian Yanke (Bristol, CT).

Junior tailback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) leads the NEFC in rushing with 1,136 yards and needs only 30 yards to break the school single season record of 1,165 yards established by Andy Kaneris in 1998.

Langley, who has set or tied eight school records this fall, also leads the conference in scoring (96 points) and all-purpose yards (188.0 average).

"This is our biggest game of the season," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin. "We need to bounce back from our loss against MIT and play the game we are capable of playing. We have a lot of injuries, especially on the offensive line, so we have to get better physically and mentally.Ending the season on a winning note is extremely important."

Western New England is averaging 21.5 points and 312.6 yards a game (185.6 rushing, 127.0 passing) while allowing 21.0 points and 300.4 yards (159.5 rushing, 140.9 passing).

Fitchburg State (4-4) also will be looking to end its season with a winning record. The Falcons are flying high after defeating Bridgewater State (14-7) for the first time for school history last Saturday.

Senior quarterback Nino DeCarolis has completed 115-of-225 passes for 1,151 yards and seven touchdowns, but has 14 interceptions. Sophomore Carld Auguste and junior Steve Maze are one-two in rushing with 461 and 259 yards, respectively. Senior wide receiver Tanner Grove has a team-high 37 receptions for 403 yards and two TDs while freshman wideout Peter Grunderson has 23 catches for 281 yards and four scores.

Fitchburg State is averaging 11.6 points and 264.6 yards a contest (119.5 rushing, 145.1 passing) while allowing 12.1 points, first in the NEFC, and 223.4 yards, second in the conference (68.4 rushing, first in the NEFC, 155.0 passing).

MIT BLANKS WESTERN NEW ENGLAND
IN NEFC BOYD ACTION, 28-0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 28, 2000) – Junior split end Bobby Owsley caught scoring passes of 62 and 69 yards from freshman quarterback Phil Deutsch as visiting MIT exploded for its highest scoring output of the season with a 28-0 victory over Western New England College in a New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division game.

Senior running back Kamal Mokeddom added a career high 128 yards rushing on 18 carries and scored on a 42-yard run as the Engineers (3-5 overall, 2-3 NEFC Boyd Division) won its third straight game after opening the season with five consecutive losses.

MIT took a 7-0 lead when Deutsch (6-of-13 passing for a career high 202 yards) hit Owsley with their first scoring strike with 2:53 left in the first quarter capping a six-play, 90-yard drive. The game remained close until the Engineers scored 21 points in the third quarter on Mokeddom's run, Owsley's second scoring catch, and a two-yard run by junior running back Kip Johann-Berkel with 1:43 left in the period. Owsley finished with four receptions for 164 yards.

Western New England (4-4, 2-4 in the division) committed a season high seven turnovers (four interceptions and three fumbles), which led to two scores. The Golden Bears twice missed scoring opportunities after driving to the MIT six in the second quarter (missed field goal) and Engineers' four early in the fourth quarter (fumble).

Junior tailback Marvin Langley gained 176 all-purpose yards after rushing for 97 yards on 27 carries with three receptions for 29 yards, and two kickoff returns for 50 yards. He leads the NEFC with 1,136 yards rushing and is third on the school's all-time rushing list with 2,190 yards.

MIT outgained Western New England by a 437 to 280 margin.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND HOSTS MIT SATURDAY IN NEFC BOYD CONTEST

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 26, 2000) – Western New England College has a chance to tie the school record for wins in a season against visiting Massachusetts Institute of Technology in a New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division contest that begins at noon Saturday (Oct. 28).

WNEC raised its record to 4-3 after gaining a season high 474 yards in a 42-30 victory at Framingham State College last Saturday. Last year the Golden Bears finished with a 3-7 mark. Since joining the NCAA Division III ranks in 1981, WNEC has compiled five wins in a season three times (1981, 1989, and 1998). At present Western New England is fourth in the NEFC Boyd Division with a 2-3 mark.

After losing its first five contests, MIT (2-5) has reeled off two straight victories over Nichols College (24-9) and Worcester State College (16-6). The Engineers are tied for fifth with Curry College in the NEFC Boyd Division at 1-3.

"MIT has been playing some of the best football in the conference the last two weeks and we know itÕs going to be a close, exciting game," says Western New England coach Gerry Martin.

Junior tailback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) is enjoying a record-breaking season for Western New England. He has set or tied eight school records this fall, including yards in a game (296) and touchdowns in a game (4) last Saturday against Framingham State. Langley leads the NEFC in rushing (1,039 yards for a 148.4 average), all-purpose yards (189.7 avg.), and scoring (96 points). He has moved from eighth to third on the WNEC all-time rushing list (2,093 yards) this season.

Langley received his second Gold Helmet Award as the College Division Player-of-the-Week on Wednesday (Oct. 25) at the New England Football Writers luncheon in Cambridge and was selected as both the NEFC Offensive and Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Player-of-the-Week.

In NEFC statistics, junior cornerback Lester Johnson (Springfield, MA) is second in interceptions (6) and second in punt returns (12.4 average). Junior cornerback Brian Luce (Anson, ME) is second in kickoff returns (27.3 average) and third in punt returns (11.2 average). Freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) is fifth in passing efficiency (111.90 rating) after completing 60-of-108 passes (55.6%) for 734 yards and four touchdowns with seven interceptions.

Western New England is averaging 317.3 yards a game (195.9 rushing, 121.4 passing) while allowing 280.8 yards (148.7 rushing, 132.1 passing).

MIT, under the direction of veteran coach Dwight Smith, has two outstanding runners in senior Kamal Mokeddom (384 yards) and junior Kip Johann-Berkel (322 yards). Both players have two touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Phil Deutsch has completed 37-of-70 passes (52.9%) for 465 yards and five touchdowns with five interceptions. Junior wide receiver Bobby Owsley is fifth in the conference with 25 receptions for 343 yards and four scores.

MIT is averaging 220.4 yards a contest (122.3 rushing, 98.1 passing) while allowing 313.1 yards (170.1 rushing, 143.0 passing).

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BEATS FRAMINGHAM STATE 42-30

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (Oct. 21, 2000) Ð Junior tailback Marvin Langley of Lewiston, Maine rushed for 296 yards and four touchdowns Ð both school records Ð as Western New England College rolled to a 42-30 victory over host Framingham State College in a New England Football Conference non-division contest.

The victory gave the Golden Bears a 4-3 record, surpassing last yera's win total of three.

Langley scored on runs 61, 13, 30, and 27 yards to give the Golden Bears (4-3) a 28-8 lead with 12:51 remaining in the third quarter. He broke the old mark of 241 yards set by Shane McColgan against Nichols in 1998. Three players held the old mark of three rushing touchdowns in a game the last time accomplished by Andy Kaneris vs. MIT in 1998. Langley also went over the 1,000-yard mark in rushing for the second straight season. He now has 1,039 yards and 2,093 career yards for third place on the schoolÕs all-time list.

Western New England's other two scores came on a 3-yard run by fullback Scott Gould and a 17-yard pass from freshman Matt Sotherden (9-of-20, 90 yards) to junior split end Jody Lemoi. Junior cornerback Lester Johnson had his sixth interception of the season.

Western New England totaled a season high 474 yards, including a school record 384 rushing (the old mark was 358 vs. Nichols in 1981).

Framingham State quarterback Luke Callahan was 18-for-35 passing for 276 yards with three scores and two interceptions. The Rams are now 2-6.

FOOTBALL TEAM HOSTS CLINIC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 18, 2000) Ð Western New England College's football team hosted a clinic for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from the Springfield CYO Panthers on Wednesday. The youngsters had a chance to practice with the Golden Bears and participate in on-field drills. "We showed the kids how we run some of our plays and what we do in order to prepare for a game," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin. "Our players made a lot of friends and had fun at the same time."

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND VISITS FRAMINGHAM STATE SATURDAY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 17, 2000) – Western New England College makes its final road trip of the season with a non-division game against Framingham State College starting at 1 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 21) at the Maple Street Field in Framingham, Massachusetts.

WNEC has a 3-3 record following a 24-7 loss at UMass-Dartmouth last Saturday (Oct. 14). The Golden Bears scored the first touchdown of the game before the Corsairs took control the rest of the way. Western New England is fourth in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division with a 2-3 mark.

Framingham State has a 2-5 record after a narrow 19-18 loss at Worcester State College. The Rams are sixth in the NEFC Bogan Division with a 1-3 mark.

Western New England hopes to get its offense back on track after totaling only 137 yards against UMass-Dartmouth (who is tied for first in the NEFC Boyd Division with Salve Regina).

The top threat for the Golden Bears is junior running back Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) who leads the NEFC in all-purpose yards (170.5 per game average) and scoring (72 points), and is second in rushing (749 yards). Langley scored his school record 21st career rushing touchdown against UMass-Dartmouth, breaking the old mark of 20 set by Andy Kaneris from 1994-98.

Freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) is fourth in the NEFC in pass efficiency with a 114.77 rating. He has completed 51-of-88 passes (58.0%) for 644 yards with three touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Junior cornerback Brian Luce (Anson, ME) leads the NEFC in kickoff returns (29.9 average) while junior cornerback Lester Johnson (Springfield, MA) is second in the NEFC in interceptions (5) and punt returns (14.7 avg.).

Western New England is fifth in the NEFC in total defense (260.5 yards) and sixth in total offense (291.2 yards a game. The Golden Bears also are second in the conference in pass efficiency defense (73.25 rating) and fourth in rushing offense (164.5 yards per game).

Framingham State almost pulled off the upset of the season losing by a single point against the host Lancers who are second in the NEFC Bogan Division.

The Rams have the NEFCÕs top passing offense averaging 217.0 yards an outing. Sophomore quarterback Luke Callahan is 100-of-217 passing (46.1%) for 1,424 yards and 10 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Sophomore wide receiver Abe Bascom has a team high 30 receptions (third in the conference) for 573 yards and seven TDs.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND FALLS TO UMASS-DARTMOUTH, 24-7

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. (Oct. 14, 2000) – UMass-Dartmouth stayed unbeaten in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division standings with a 24-7 victory over visiting Western New England College. The Corsairs are now 5-1 overall and 4-0 in the division. The Golden Bears fall to 3-3 and 2-3.

Western New England scored on the first possession of the game going 52 yards on six plays capped by a one-yard scoring run by junior tailback Marvin Langley only 2:12 into the opening quarter. The touchdown was LangleyÕs 11th rushing score of the season, and 21st of his career, which established a new school record. The old mark was 20 set by Andy Kaneris from 1994-98.

UMass-Dartmouth came right back and tied the game on an 18-yard pass from Matt McLaughlin to Shane Harris with 8:43 left in the quarter. The Corsairs put the game away by scoring 17 points in the second period on a 24-yard run by Frank Femino (127 yards on 27 carries), a 37-yard field goal by Jacob Jota, and a 32-yard pass from McLaughlin (10-of-26, 130 yards, 3 interceptions) to Harris with 2:11 left before halftime.

Western New England could muster only 137 yards in total offense. Freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden was 8-of-20 passing for 82 yards, but was sacked six times. Langley was held to 64 yards rushing on 29 carries. Junior cornerback Lester Johnson recorded his fifth interception of the season and added two pass breakups and four tackles.

UMass-Dartmouth came into the game averaging 39 points an outing, tops in the NEFC. The Corsairs have a five-game winning after a season opening loss at Springfield College.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE VISITS UMASS-DARTMOUTH SATURDAY IN KEY NEFC CONTEST

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 10, 2000) – Western New England College faces perhaps its toughest test of the season against the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth in a key New England Football Conference (NEFC) contest that begins at 1 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 14) in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

WNEC has a 3-2 record following an exciting 42-35 win over visiting Curry College last Saturday (Oct. 7). The Golden Bears are fourth in the NEFC Boyd Division with a 2-2 mark. The Corsairs improved their record to 4-1 after an important 27-21 home victory over previously unbeaten Nichols College. UMass-Dartmouth and Salve Regina lead the NEFC Boyd Division with perfect 3-0 marks while Nichols is third at 3-1 entering the final month of the season.

The Golden Bears are coming off their best scoring game of the season thanks to an outstanding performance by freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) who completed 14-of-19 passes (73.7%) for 253 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Sotherden fired a 43-yard pass to junior wideout Justin Clark (Ipswich, MA) with 1:12 remaining in the fourth quarter for the game-winner.

Sotherden has completed 43-of-68 passes (63.2%) for 562 yards and is third in the conference with a 129.57 rating.

Junior running back Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) continues to lead the NEFC in all-purpose yards (184.8 per game average) and scoring (56 points), and is second in rushing (679 yards). He ran for 76 yards and scored twice against Curry to tie the school record for career rushing touchdowns (20). Langley also has moved from eighth to third this fall on the WNEC all-time rushing list with 1,733 yards.

Senior linebacker Ryan Watson (Rockland, MA) and junior cornerback Brian Luce (Anson, ME) are one-two in tackles with 40 and 36, respectively. Luce also leads the conference with a 32.7 average for seven kickoff returns. He had a school record 96-yard return for a touchdown against Curry that broke the old mark of 90 set by Mike Tavarozzi in 1983. Junior cornerback Lester Johnson (Springfield, MA) is tied for second in the NEFC in interceptions (4) and ranks third in punt returns (14.7 avg.).

Western New England is third among 14 schools in the NEFC in pass efficiency defense (70.54 rating), fourth in rushing (186.8 yards per game), fifth in total defense (250.6) and scoring offense (24.6), and sixth in total offense (322.0).

UMass-Dartmouth has a four-game winning streak after opening its season with a loss at Springfield College. Leading the Corsairs attack is senior quarterback Matt McLaughlin who has completed 55-of-115 passes (47.8%) for 953 yards and 10 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Senior running back Frank Meranda has 590 yards rushing (which is fourth in the NEFC) and six touchdowns. Ten players have caught passes led by sophomore wide receiver Joe Sabina (20 receptions, 423 yards, 4 TDs). Junior defensive back Geoff Taintor has four interceptions.

UMass-Dartmouth leads the NEFC in scoring offense (39.0 points), and is second in both total offense (366.2 yards per game) and passing offense (206.4).

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND DEFEATS CURRY IN FOOTBALL, 42-35

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 7, 2000) – Freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) fired a 42-yard scoring pass to junior split end Justin Clark (Ipswich, MA) with 1:12 remaining to lift Western New England College to an exciting 42-35 victory over visiting Curry College in a New England Football Conference Boyd Division game.

The Golden Bears improve their record at 3-2 (2-2 NEFC Boyd) while the Colonels are now 3-3 (2-2 NEFC Boyd).

WNEC held a 35-21 lead entering the final quarter before Curry rallied to tie the contest on a 10-yard run by sophomore quarterback Neal Houghton at the 8:07 mark and a 47-yard run by freshman running back Moses Curry with 3:41 left in the game.

The Golden Bears were stopped on their next possession, but recovered a fumble after a punt hit a Curry player to take over on the Colonels' 42-yard line with 1:20 remaining in the contest.

Sotheren then hit Clark on the next play for the winning score.

With only one timeout remaining, Curry quickly drove from its own 20 to the WNEC 16 before Houghton (21-for-39, 248 yards) threw an incomplete pass in the end zone on the final play of the game.

Sotherden had his best outing of the season completing 14-of-19 passes for 253 yards, and two touchdowns.

Freshman wideout Kris Morin (Stafford Springs, CT) had five receptions for 77 yards and his first collegiate touchdown (24 yards) while Clark finished with four catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior running back Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) ran for 76 yards and two touchdowns, and completed a 24-yard pass to Morin for another touchdown that gave the Golden Bears a 35-21 lead with 4:40 left in the third quarter. Langley now has 20 career rushing touchdowns that ties the school record established by Andy Kaneris from 1994-98. Langley also moved into third place on the WNEC all-time rushing list with 1,733 yards.

Western New England and Curry each had a kickoff return for the score in the first quarter. Junior cornerback Brian Luce (Anson, ME) took a kick back a school record 96 yards (breaking the old mark of 90 set by Mike Tavarozzi vs. Westfield State in 1983) for the Golden Bears while freshman running back Raphael Zammit had an 85-yard kickoff return for the visitors.

Luce finished with 149 yards for three kickoff returns, including a 33-yarder that helped set up anotherscore. He also compiled 11 tackles (eight solo) and had three pass breakups.

Curry outgained Western New England by a 448 to 351 margin as Moses Curry and Zammitt each gained 79 yards. WNEC led 14-11 after the first quarter and 20-18 at halftime in the tight divisional battle.

CAPTAIN JOHN HYATT NAMED
WNEC ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 3, 2000) – Senior football captain John Hyatt (Milford, CT – Joseph A. Foran High School) was honored Tuesday (Oct. 3) as the Western New England College Male Athlete-of-the-Week.

Hyatt is a starting cornerback for the Golden Bears, but made his first appearance of the season at running back gaining 52 yards on eight carries (all in the second half) with one touchdown (eight yards) in a 28-9 home win over UMass-Boston last Saturday (Sept. 30).

Hyatt, a criminal justice major, also had four tackles in the game.

Western New England (2-2) hosts Curry College at 1 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 7).

CURRY COLLEGE VISTS GOLDEN BEARS SATURDAY IN NEFC ACTION

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 3, 2000) – Western New England College hopes to move up in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division standings against visiting Curry College at 1 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 7).

The Golden Bears (2-2) are fifth in the division with a 1-2 record after defeating UMass-Boston by the score of 28-9. The Colonels (3-2) are fourth with a 1-1 mark following a surprising 33-0 loss at undefeated Nichols College. Nichols (4-0) is first in the Boyd Division with a 3-0 record followed by UMass-Dartmouth (3-1) and Salve Regina University (3-1) with 2-0 marks. UMass-Boston (1-4) and MIT (1-4) are tied for sixth at 0-3.

Western New England is second in the nation in pass efficiency defense (46.85 rating) and second in the NEFC in total defense (201.3 yards, 13th nationally).

Among the top players are senior linebacker Ryan Watson (Rockland, MA) who has a team high 30 tackles, sophomore tackle Scott Hurlbut (Mecklenburg, NY), 28 tackles, and junior cornerback Brian Luce (Anson, ME), 25 tackles. Junior cornerback Lester Johnson (Springfield, MA) is having a fine season with 20 tackles and three interceptions. He also is averaging 14.7 yards for seven punt returns, which is fourth in the NEFC.

Junior tailback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) is second in the NEFC in rushing (603 yards), and ranks first in both scoring (54 points, 11th nationally) and all-purpose yards (194 yards per game). Freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) has completed 29-of-49 passes (59.2%) for 309 yards with one touchdown and six interceptions. Junior wideout Jody Lemoi (Pottstown, PA) has a team high 10 receptions for 140 yards.

Western New England is averaging 314.8 yards (215 rushing, 99.8 passing) while allowing 201.3 yards (147.5 rushing, 53.8 passing).

Curry, coached by former New England Patriots great Steve Nelson, is second in the NEFC in rushing defense (95.6 yards), and third in total offense (341.2).

Sophomore quarterback Neal Houghton is 56-of-120 passing (46.7%) for 811 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Nine players have caught passes led by junior wide receiver Jeff Lang (13 receptions, 239 yards, 1 TD) and junior running back Tony Giannetti (10-229-4). Freshman running back Raphael Zammit leads the Colonels with 300 yards and a TD while classmate Moses Curry has 252 yards and four scores.

Curry is averaging 341.2 yards (178.0 rushing, 163.2 passing) while allowing 238.4 yards (95.6 rushing, 142.8 passing).

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE POSTS 28-9 WIN OVER UMASS-BOSTON

By Ron Chimelis, Springfield Sunday Republican

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 1, 2000) – In the past two weeks, Western New England College senior halfback John Hyatt began taking some practice snaps at running back, just in case something happened to starter Marvin Langley.

And sure enough, when Langley went out late in yesterday's first half against UMass-Boston with a minor right hip pointer, Hyatt was ready to help.

"On any team we've played, John would be the starting tailback," WNEC coach Gerry Martin said after the Golden Bears' 28-9 victory, which saw Hyatt rush for 52 yards on eight carries and a touchdown, all in the second half. "He's a great captain, a great teammate, a great kid."

Hyatt is hardly new to offense. A star tailback in high school, the Milford, Conn. native rushed for 278 yards for WNEC last year.

But Hyatt was switched to defensive back with the emergence of Langley, a junior who had 155 yards and two touchdowns in the first half for WNEC (2-2, 1-2 New England Football Conference). Shane McColgan's 1998 school rushing record of 241 yards seemed within reach until Langley was injured just before halftime.

But in the third quarter, Hyatt's first four carries of the year produced 42 yards, moving the Golden Bears from the UMass-Boston 43 to the 1, where quarterback Matt Sotherden scored on a keeper to make it 21-3.

"Offense is nice, but defense is more exciting," said Hyatt, who later added an eight-yard touchdown run. "I hadn't touched a ball (in a game) since last year, but the offensive line did a great job."

UMass-Boston (1-4, 0-3) brought only 32 players to a game that was moved from its campus when this week's Bush-Gore Presidential debate was scheduled there. The Beacons managed only 16 passing yards against WNEC, which leads the nation's Division III teams in pass defense.

"We came out flat in this game, but we knew we had to pick it up," WNEC defensive end Steve Bonczek said. The Golden Bears had lost their last two games by a total of nine points against Nichols and Salve Regina, two of New England's top Division III teams.

"We're young, but we're not bad and we've gotten better," Martin said. Langley's injury is considered minor, and he said he could have returned if necessary.

"It was just a nagging thing, but the other guys stepped it up," Langley said.

The WNEC defense received strong play from Bonczek, defensive backs Brian Luce, Lester Johnson, and Blair Evans, linebackers Ryan Watson and Mike Tedesco, and defensive tackle Scott Hurlbut. Linebacker Chris Grundman had a sack, and Hyatt had a hand in four tackles, in addition to his second-half offense.

Another positive sign came from kicker Anthony Verdile of East Longmeadow, whose four conversions made him 6 for 6 since taking over the job last week.

(This story appeared on page C8 in the Springfield Sunday Republican on Oct. 1, 2000.)

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE HOSTS UMASS-BOSTON IN NEFC ACTION

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 26, 2000) – Western New England College hopes to get back on the winning track against the University of Massachusetts-Boston in a New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division game starting at 1 p.m. Saturday (September 30) at WNEC Field.

The Golden Bears have a 1-2 record (0-2 Boyd) after a 17-14 loss at Salve Regina University on September 23 in Newport, Rhode Island. Salve Regina, which came into the game averaging 36.5 points, is ranked third in the ECAC Division III poll. It was the second straight week that Western New England came close to upsetting one of the top teams in New England. Nichols College handed Western New England a 19-13 setback on September 16.

WNEC features one of the best players in the NEFC in junior tailback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) who is among the conference leaders in rushing (448 yards) and scoring (42 points). The Golden Bears also have received a solid performance from freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) who has completed 20-of-34 passes (58.8%) for 193 yards and a touchdown in relief of junior Derek Boyd (Georgetown, MA) who has missed the last two contests due to illness.

On defense, sophomore tackle Scott Hurlbut (Mecklenburg, NY) leads the team with 23 tackles followed by senior linebacker Ryan Watson (Rockland, MA) with 21. Junior cornerback Lester Johnson (Springfield, MA) has 17 tackles and three interceptions

UMass-Boston has a 1-3 record (1-2 NEFC Boyd) following a 36-12 loss at Nichols College last Saturday. The Beacons have struggled offensively this season scoring only 21 points. Senior fullback Frank Campo leads the team in rushing with 187 yards and a touchdown.

NEFC Standings: Boyd Division Ð- Salve Regina (3-0, 2-0), Nichols (3-0, 2-0), UMass-Dartmouth (2-1, 2-0), Curry (3-1, 1-0), Western New England (1-2, 0-2), UMass-Boston (1-3, 0-2), MIT (0-3, 0-2). Bogan Division Ð- Massachusetts Maritime (3-0, 2-0), Bridgewater State (2-1, 2-0), Fitchburg State (1-2, 1-1), Worcester State (2-1, 1-1), Framingham State (1-3, 0-1), Maine Maritime (0-3, 0-1), Westfield State (0-3, 0-2).

SALVE REGINA SQUEAKS BY WESTERN NEW ENGLAND, 17-14

NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 23, 2000) – For the second straight week Western New England College had a chance to upset one of the top teams in the New England Football Conference but fell just short after dropping a 17-14 decision against undefeated Salve Regina University at Toppa Field.

The Golden Bears are now 1-2 and 0-2 in the NEFC Boyd Division. The Seahawks, who came into the game averaging 36.5 points, are 3-0 (2-0 in the conference). Salve Regina jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first 3 minutes, 50 seconds of the opening quarter after an eight-yard run by Mark DeBiasio and a 15-yard interception return by Ron Casper.

WNEC's defense didn't allow the Seahawks to hit the end zone after that, and the Golden Bears cut the margin to 14-7 on a two-yard run by junior tailback Marvin Langley with 10:13 left in the third quarter. Salve Regina took a 17-7 lead when Matt Kulesza kicked a 27-yard field goal (following a WNEC penalty) at the 7:15 mark of the fourth period.

Langley (25 carries, 98 yards) made things exciting by returning the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a score 15 seconds later. Sophomore Anthony Verdile of East Longmeadow made both extra points in his kicking debut for the Golden Bears.

After forcing Salve Regina to punt, WNEC drove to the hosts 26-yard line with under two minutes left, but lost the ball on downs.

"Our defense did a great job against the top offensive team in the NEFC," said Western New England coach Gerry Martin. "I was worried about the first couple of minutes when it looked like they might run away from us, but our players showed a lot of heart and character, and almost made a winning comeback. We're probably the best 1-2 team in the country."

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE VISITS SALVE REGINA IN NEFC CONTEST

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 20, 2000) – Western New England College makes its first road trip of the season with a New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division game against undefeated Salve Regina University starting at noon Saturday (Sept. 23) in Newport, Rhode Island.

The Golden Bears have a 1-1 record (0-1 Boyd) after dropping a 19-13 decision against Nichols College last Saturday. The Seahawks improved to 2-0 (1-0 Boyd) with a 37-14 road win against MIT.

WNEC again will count on junior tailback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) to lead its offensive attack. He leads the conference in rushing (350 yards) and scoring (30 points). Langley ran for a career high 237 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener against Westfield State, and added 113 yards and two scores versus Nichols.

Junior quarterback Derek Boyd (Georgetown, MA) and freshman placekicker Mike Lynch (Yorktown Heights, NY) missed the Nichols game due to illness, but are expected back Saturday.

Freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) played well in his first collegiate start against the Bison completing 8-of-14 passes for 102 yards.

On defense, sophomore tackle Scott Hurlbut (Mecklenburg, NY) and senior linebacker Ryan Watson (Rockland, MA) are one-two in tackles with 16 and 13, respectively. Junior cornerback Lester Johnson (Springfield, MA) has 11 tackles and two interceptions.

WNEC is averaging 333.0 yards a game (228.5 rushing, 104.5 passing), which is fourth in the conference. The Golden Bears are allowing only 161.0 yards (70.5 rushing, 90.5 passing), which is second in the NEFC.

Salve Regina opened its season with an impressive 36-6 road win over Freedom Football Conference rival Coast Guard. The Seahawks have one of the top programs in New England after winning the 1998 ECAC Division III Northeast Championship and making the ECAC playoffs last year.

Among the top players are seniors, running back Mark DeBiasio (235 yards rushing, four touchdowns), quarterback Jeff Wright (6-for-16 passing, 88 yards, 1 TD), and linebacker Marc Romano (17 tackles).

Salve Regina is averaging 313.5 yards a contest, including 269.5 yards rushing that leads the NEFC. The Seahawks are third in the conference in total defense (192.0).

NICHOLS DEFEATS WESTERN NEW ENGLAND, 19-13

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 16, 2000) – Quarterback Jarrod Rouanzoin fired a 34-yard scoring pass to split end Adam Perry on fourth and one with 13:11 remaining in the fourth quarter to lift visiting Nichols College to a 19-13 victory over Western New England College in a New England Football Conference Boyd Division game before 2,764 Homecoming Day fans.

The Bison remain undefeated with a 2-0 record (1-0 NEFC Boyd) while the Golden Bears fall to 1-1 (0-1 NEFC Boyd).

Nichols took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter on a one-yard run by running back Matt Fox (31 carries, 96 yards). The Bison went ahead 13-0 on a 10-yard run by Rouanzoin at the 9:33 mark of the third quarter.

WNEC came back and tied the game on a pair of touchdowns runs of one and three yards by junior tailback Marvin Langley (32 carries, 113 yards), the last score coming with 2:09 remaining in the third quarter.

Western New England had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter moving from its own 16 to the Bison 5, but a penalty and interception killed the threat with 4:25 left in the contest.

Rouanzoin completed 8-of-20 passes for 150 yards.

WNEC freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden was 8-for-14 for 102 yards in his first collegiate start. Two starters, junior quarterback Derek Boyd and freshman placekicker Mike Lynch, missed the game due to illness.

MARVIN LANGLEY NAMED WINNER OF COCA-COLA GOLD HELMET AWARD

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 12, 2000) – Western New England College junior tailback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) has been named the recipient of the Coca-Cola Gold Helmet Award as the College Division New England Football Player-of-the-Week. He also was named the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Player-of-the-Week.

Langley will receive his Gold Helmet Award at the weekly New England Football WritersÕ Association luncheon on Wednesday (Sept. 13) at Harvard University in Cambridge. Langley ran for a career high 237 yards on 36 carries (6.6 avg.) and scored three touchdowns (2, 21, 2 yards) in a 26-6 win over Westfield State College last Saturday (Sept. 9) in the annual President's Cup contest that was the season opener for both teams. He also caught two passes for 72 yards for a 309-yard afternoon.

Last year Langley rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:37 remaining, in a 28-21 victory over Westfield State. He finished the season with 1,050 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.

The Golden Bears (1-0) hosts Nichols College at 1 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 16) during Homecoming Weekend.

LANGLEY LEADS WNEC OVER WESTFIELD STATE IN PRESIDENT'S CUP, 26-6

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 9, 2000) – Western New England College won the President's Cup for the second straight year with a convincing 26-6 victory over visiting Westfield State College in the New England Football Conference season-opener for both teams Saturday.

Junior tailback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) was the star of the afternoon running for a career high 237 yards and three touchdowns (2, 21, 2 yards). He also caught two passes for 72 yards for a 309 yard afternoon.

WNEC led 12-0 at halftime and extended its lead to 19-0 on a 19-yard pass from freshman quarterback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) to senior tight end Eric Dunning (Hancock, NH) at the 4:39 mark of the third quarter.

Westfield State's only touchdown came following a WNEC turnover, which led to a three-yard run by junior halfback Shawn Lyman (West Springfield, MA) with 10:01 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Langley's final touchdown with 4:11 left in the game completing the scoring. The Golden Bears out-gained the Owls by a 433 to 52 margin.

"Langley had a great game and our defense was outstanding," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin.

The contest was delayed 14 minutes in the second quarter because of heavy rain and lightning.

WNEC OPENS 31st SEASON SATURDAY AGAINST WESTFIELD STATE COLLEGE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 6) – Western New England College opens its 31st season at 1 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 9) against New England Football Conference (NEFC) rival Westfield State College in the annual President's Cup game at WNEC Field.

The Western New England-Westfield State contest has developed into one of the better small college rivalries in recent years. Last year the Golden Bears came away with a 28-21 victory while the Owls squeaked out a 27-25 win in 1998. Western New England leads the series by a 6-5 margin with nine of the games being decided by seven or less points.

With 16 returning starters (seven on offense, nine on defense), Western New England hopes to rebound from last year's disappointing 3-7 record, which included a 1-5 mark for sixth place in the NEFC Blue Division.

"We're extremely excited about opening our new season against Westfield State," says WNEC coach Gerry Martin. "We've had some close games against them the last two years and expect another tight battle on Saturday."

Junior Derek Boyd (Georgetown, MA) will open the season at quarterback. "Derek worked hard in pre-season and played well in a scrimmage against Mount Ida last Saturday, so he earned the starting position," states Martin.

Freshman Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) also is expected to see action at quarterback against Westfield State. Both the offensive and defensive units showed considerable improvement during pre-season drills, according to Martin.

"I'm pretty happy with the way our defense played against Mount Ida," says Martin. "We're quicker, stronger, and more athletic. The offensive line looks solid with four-year starters Adam Hill at guard and Dave Roach at tackle leading the way."

Western New England has one of the region's top running backs in junior Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) who ran for 1,050 yards on 209 carries (5.0 avg.) with 10 touchdowns last fall in his first year as a starter.

Langley had his best outing against Westfield State running for 219 yards on 25 carries with three touchdowns (including the winning score with 1:37 remaining). "If he stays healthy, Langley has a chance to become one of the best running backs in school history," says Martin.

Westfield State posted a 4-6 record last year, which included a 3-3 mark for fourth place in the NEFC Red Division. The Owls have 27 returning letterwinners (including 13 starters) led by quarterback Chris Bourget who passed for 781 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Another player to watch is receiver/placekicker John Fransco who was second on the team in scoring with 54 points. He also caught four passes, all for touchdowns. Senior linebacker Ken Stewart (85 tackles last year) heads the defense.

The NEFC consists of two seven-team divisions.

Western New England will compete in the Boyd (formerly Blue) Division of the NEFC while Westfield State will participate in the Bogan (formerly Red) Division. Other teams in the Boyd Division are Curry, UMass-Boston, UMass-Dartmouth, MIT, Nichols, and Salve Regina.

The Bogan Division includes Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference members Bridgewater State, Fitchburg State, Framingham State, Massachusetts Maritime, and Worcester State, along with Maine Maritime.

Beginning in 2000, the first place teams each division will meet one another in the inaugural WAL*MART NEFC Championship game, which will be held November 11 at Worcester State. The winner of the NEFC Championship receives an automatic invitation to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

WNEC HOPES TO CHALLENGE FOR NEFC TITLE IN 2000

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 21) – Western New England College hopes to challenge for the 2000 New England Football Conference (NEFC) title this fall with seven returning starters on offense and nine on defense. Last year WNEC posted a 3-7 record and finished fifth in the NEFC Blue Division with a 1-5 mark.

Heading the list of returnees is junior halfback Marvin Langley (Lewiston, ME) who ran for 1,050 yards on 209 carries (5.0 avg.) with 10 touchdowns last fall in his first year as a starter. The 5'10", 180-lb. Langley also led the Golden Bears in all-purpose yards (164.0 average), scoring (60 points), and averaged 25.3 yards for 17 kickoff returns. He was named to the 1999 NEFC All-Star second team as a return specialist. Langley played defensive back and on special teams as a freshman.

Coach Gerry Martin also welcomes back five seniors, fullback Scott Gould (Brookfield, CT) tight end Eric Dunning (Hancock, NH), guard Adam Hill (Gardiner, ME), center Chuck McDonald (Rockland, MA), tackle Dave Roach (Middlebury, CT), and junior wide receiver Jody Lemoi (Pottstown, PA). Another player to watch is junior wideout Justin Clark (Ipswich, MA).

Gould is an excellent blocker who contributed 220 yards rushing and one touchdown a year ago. Lemoi, meanwhile, caught 17 passes for 200 yards (11.8 avg.) with three scores.

The quarterback position is wide open with junior Derek Boyd (Georgetown, MA) the leading candidate entering pre-season drills. He appeared in five games a year ago completing 14-of-26 passes (53.8%) for 101 yards and a touchdown. Freshmen Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) and Matt Chellis (Whitehall, NY) will battle for the starting assignment.

"The offense looks to be in good shape although the quarterback position is up for grabs," says Martin who is in his 10th season as head coach. "Langley looks to improve on last years rushing totals while Gould should be an impact player in our conference."

Martin expects the Golden Bears to have a better defense this year with the defensive backs the strongest part of the squad. Senior John Hyatt (Milford, CT) returns at strong safety along with junior Brian Luce (Anson, ME) at cornerback and senior Ryan Watson (Rockland, MA) at free safety. Watson and Luce were two-three in tackles last year with 64 and 55 stops, respectively.

The defensive line features senior Steve Bonzek (Manalapan, NJ) at end and junior Jon Dawes (Georgetown, MA) at tackle.

Juniors Corey Goldstein (New Hyde Park, NY) and Chris Grundman (North Plainfield, NJ) head the list of players at linebacker. Goldstein led the team with 4.5 sacks a year ago while Grundman had a team high seven tackles for losses.

WNEC opens its 31st season at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 9 with a non-conference game against Westfield State College. The Golden Bears defeated the Owls last year, 28-21.

Items of Interest: Bonzek, Gould, Hyatt, Langley, and Roach will serve as the team captains this fall... The Golden Bears will play six of their nine games at home... WNEC opens conference play at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 16 against Nichols College during Homecoming weekend... Martin is a native of Springfield and a graduate of UConn where he played defensive end. He previously served as an assistant coach at Minnechaug Regional, Agawam, East Longmeadow, and Cathedral High Schools.

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