By Jen Toland, College Beat Writer

October 5, 2012

Worcester, MA --- Tyler Asam and Zack Skerry were taught to play one way by Milford High coach Tom Cullen.

"No matter where you are in the game," Asam said, "you're going to play your hardest until the end."

"Coach Cullen drilled that into our heads, " Skerry added, "so we can't play any other way."

The long time neighbors, friends and teammates have sustained their hard-nosed style at Worcester State, where, as sophomores, they're continuing to learn, develop and play under coach Brien Cullen, Tom's brother.

"It was a good transition," Skerry said. "We're going from brother to brother as your coach."

With Asam at one end and Skerry at the other and senior Joe Sweet and junior Bryan Narcisse at the tackles, the Lancers (4-1) have a formidable defensive line and have wreaked havoc on their first five opposing quarterbacks of the season.

Worcester State ranks second in the New England Football Conference's Bogan Division and 10th in the region with 12 sacks. The Lancers have overcome several injuries in the secondary to rank second in the NEFC in passing defense (140.6 yards per game).

The 6-foot, 220-pound Asam was named the NEFC Bogan Division Defensive Rookie of the Year after pilling up 42 tackles (11 for a loss), three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

He suffered a concussion during Worcester State's 28-20 win over WPI in Week 2 and missed the last two games.

Cullen eased him in as a backup in last week's win at Maine Maritime, but he'll be a full-go for tomorrow's game against Mass Maritime (2-2) at Coughlin Field.

Skerry and Narcisse share the team lead with 3.5 sacks each.

Asam, Skerry and safety Nick Valente, who is out following ACL surgery, were captains at Milford High and lead a strong sophomore class at Worcester State.

Cullen said Asam and Skerry are strong enough to play inside, too.

"They both have a really good motor, and they are both athletic," Cullen said. "Other than Tyler's injury, they've been steady for two years. They've done outstanding."

Article Appeared in Friday, October 5 Issue of Worcester Telegram