The University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s Chavon Wright carries the ball deep into Concord territory during a Mountain East Conference football game Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, at UC Stadium. The Golden Eagles running back was named MEC Offensive Player of the Year.
The University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s Chavon Wright carries the ball deep into Concord territory during a Mountain East Conference football game Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, at UC Stadium. The Golden Eagles running back was named MEC Offensive Player of the Year.
BRIDGEPORT — The University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä recorded its first Mountain East Conference football championship on Saturday.
MEC coaches recognized the sensational season by bestowing the Golden Eagles with three of a possible six superlatives in season-ending league awards announced Tuesday.
UC running back Chavon Wright is the MEC Offensive Player of the Year, Golden Eagles defensive lineman Nick Evans is co-Defensive Player of the Year, and sideline boss Quinn Sanders was named the conference’s top coach of 2023.
Wright has rushed for league highs in yards (1,231) and touchdowns (14). He did so on 203 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per tote.
Evans owns 22 tackles, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He has 12 tackles for loss, and his sack total is second in the MEC.
Sanders has directed ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä to a 9-1 record, including 8-1 on the MEC circuit, and its first playoff appearance since 2015. The Golden Eagles are ranked 23rd nationally in the coaches poll and earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Division II playoffs region. They host New Haven (Connecticut) in the first round of the postseason on Saturday.
Evans shared Defensive Player of the Year note with UNC Pembroke defensive lineman Jamae Blank.
UNC Pembroke running back Sincere Baines is the Offensive Freshman of the Year, while Frostburg State defensive back Darrell Scott took the equivalent honor defensively.
Wright and Evans are two of seven Golden Eagles tabbed for the All-MEC first team. Tae Marrero was named to that unit twice, as both a receiver and return specialist. The others are fullback/H-back Niko Kausky, offensive lineman Donovan McCollister, linebacker Willie Floyd and defensive back Cashawn Beasley.
Three West Virginia State players picked up first-team mention: quarterback Donovan Riddick, running back Joel Felder and defensive back Jy Martin.
