Worcester, MA --- Tyler Russell (Princeton, MA), Sean Doolin (Reading, MA) and Paul Lewis (Worcester, MA/South) have each been selected to the Worcester Area Football team as selected by the SIDs of eight local institutions.
Holy Cross standout quarterback Dominic Randolph was honored as the Player of the Year while running back Herbert Woodard of Assumption recieved the Offensive Player of the Year award. Grayhound linebacker Dustin Zitzman was distinguished as the Defensive Player of the Year while Crusader reciever Eddie Houghton copped the Rookie of the Year award. Tom Gilmore and Corey Bailey who each coach at Holy Cross and Assumption, respectively, were each named Co-Coaches of the Year.
Russell, a first team selection for Worcester State, had an outstanding season as the team's middle/outside linebacker this season. In 10 games Russell totalled 122 tackles (71 solo) for an average of 12.20. As of this past week, his solo tackles are fourth in the NCAA Division III, his total tackles are tied for sixth and his average is tied for ninth. Only Peter Gilliand of MIT had a better average in the NEFC (13.00) while Russell had the best total in the conference.
Russell's total was also the second highest ever put up in program history as it only 10 tackles shy of Lancer Hall of Famer Scott Holland's mark of 132 set in 1995. After starting off with just 11 tackles in his first two games, Russell logged 111 stops in his last eight games for an eye-popping average of 13.86. Russell also finished the season with 10 tackles for a loss with three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
Doolin, who was named to the second-team, started in nine games this season at left tackle for the Lancers. Doolin helped the Lancers post modest offensive numbers in the NEFC as they were ranked 10th out of the 16 teams in the conference both in passing (148.2 yards per game) and rushing offense (151.1 YPG).
In his four years at Worcester State, Doolin appeared in 22 games while he started in 16 which included appearances on the depth chart each of the last 14 contests.
Lewis, the team's other second-team honoree, was second on the team in tackles with 51 (3 for a loss), while he also had three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a pair of forced fumbles. Lewis also finished the season with two blocked extra points. Lewis started in 10 games as the primary free saftey.
The Lancers ended the season at 1-9 overall and 1-6 in the NEFC Bogan Division with their lone victory coming against Fitchburg State. WSC is coached by 27th year head coach Brien Cullen.