Boyko garners league and national honors, Lehigh rises in polls
9/24/2012 8:02:00 PM | Football
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh senior linebacker Billy Boyko earned league and national honors for his performance in Lehigh's 28-26 win over Liberty on Saturday. Boyko was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week and the Sports Network National Defensive Player of the Week after recording
a game and career-high 14 tackles, a sack and a game-changing interception that he returned 39 yards for a score.
The Northampton, Pa. native's 14 tackles included a third quarter sack that forced a Liberty punt. In the fourth quarter with Lehigh's defense facing a 3rd-and-2, Boyko intercepted a pass that was deflected by senior defensive back Gabe Johnson and then raced down the sideline for a touchdown to give the Mountain Hawks a 28-20 lead. The points proved to be the difference in the game as Lehigh held off a late Liberty charge to win 28-26 for its 13th consecutive regular season victory. The Mountain Hawks currently hold the longest regular season win streak in the FCS.Boyko's Defensive Player of the Week honors are the first of his career, while the Sports Network national honors were the first for a Lehigh player since Chris Lum was recognized as the National Offensive Player of the Week twice last season.
The Patriot League also recognized senior quarterback Michael Colvin with an honorable mention after rushing for two touchdowns including the go-ahead 68 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He finished the game passing 14-of-24 passing for 195 yards while rushing for a career high 77 yards, including the career-long 68 yard rush. Colvin didn't turn the ball over for the second straight week.
Following the win, Lehigh jumped two spots to No. 11 in the FCS Coaches Poll and moved up one position to No. 15 in the Sports Network FCS poll.
Lehigh will return to action on Saturday as the Mountain Hawks welcome Fordham to Goodman Stadium on Family Weekend and Young Alumni Reunion. The Mountain Hawks have won their last 14 games against Patriot League opponents. Kickoff is set for just after 12:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by calling 610-7LU-GAME or by visiting Lehighsports.com.
Story written with assistance from C.J. McCollum '13 and Cam Omsberg '13
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