Lomax and Saunders Earn Northeast Conference Weekly Honors for CCSU

Central Connecticut collected a pair of Northeast Conference weekly football honors following its 49-14 season-ending win over in-state rival Sacred Heart. Junior Ray Saunders earned NEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week accolades, while freshman London Lomax was tabbed NEC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Saunders forced two of the CCSU's five takeaways in the victory. The Oxon Hill, MD native had eight tackles, including a sack, and caused two fumbles in helping to limit the Pioneer attack to only 23 rushing yards. With CCSU holding a 14-0 first-quarter lead, Saunders forced SHU tailback Evin Jones to fumble near midfield. Junior Roberto Rodriguez recovered to set up the Blue Devils in opposition territory. His 15-yard quarterback sack resulted in the second of the two forced fumbles and gave the Blue Devils the ball at Sacred Heart's 31-yard line. One play later, they were in the end zone for a 28-0 halftime advantage.

Monmouth senior Kevin Walsh shared defensive player of the week honors with Saunders.

Lomax, meanwhile, provided the first big play in Central Connecticut's win. With Sacred Heart punting on its opening possession, Lomax burst through the left side and stuffed Derek Marks' kick. The ball rolled to the Sacred Heart 10-yard line, 30 yards behind the line of scrimmage, where the Blue Devils took over on downs. Four plays later, CCSU notched the game's first score and a 7-0.

The win over Sacred Heart capped CCSU's fifth consecutive winning season. The Blue Devils finished 7-4 overall and 4-3 in NEC action.