Lehigh University Athletics
Devine, Shafnisky capture Patriot League football weekly awards
9/8/2014 12:54:00 PM | Football
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Two members of the Lehigh football team earned Corvias Patriot League football weekly awards for their performances in the Mountain Hawks' season-opener Saturday against James Madison. Sophomore quarterback Nick Shafnisky earned Offensive Player of the Week honors, while junior punter Austin Devine garnered Special Teams Player of the Week honors following his first collegiate action.
Shafnisky earns Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career after twice being named Rookie of the Week last season. In just his second career start, Shafnisky proved to be a dual threat, rushing for a career-high 121 yards on 19 carries, while also completing 19-of-32 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns. The two first half touchdown strikes staked Lehigh to a 21-10 halftime lead before James Madison rallied in the second half to win 31-28.
The Whitehall, Pa. product directed an offense that posted 504 total yards and did not turn the ball over on the afternoon. Lehigh also controlled the ball for 37:19 against the Dukes.
After not playing a single down in his first two seasons, Devine's punting helped the Mountain Hawks control field position. The left footed junior punted four times with a net average of 45.5 yards and placed a pair of punts inside the James Madison five yard line with one punt downed at the two yard line and the other at the one.
The Oradell, N.J. native's performance led Lehigh into the top spot in the national rankings in terms of punting average, while individually Devine currently ranks seventh in the nation.
The Mountain Hawks will look to rebound from the three-point season-opening setback when they travel to Durham, N.H. to face another CAA opponent in New Hampshire Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for just after 3:30 p.m. with television coverage on the American Sports Network and radio coverage on ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Like Lehigh Football on Facebook and follow on Twitter for exclusive updates throughout the season.
Shafnisky earns Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career after twice being named Rookie of the Week last season. In just his second career start, Shafnisky proved to be a dual threat, rushing for a career-high 121 yards on 19 carries, while also completing 19-of-32 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns. The two first half touchdown strikes staked Lehigh to a 21-10 halftime lead before James Madison rallied in the second half to win 31-28.
The Whitehall, Pa. product directed an offense that posted 504 total yards and did not turn the ball over on the afternoon. Lehigh also controlled the ball for 37:19 against the Dukes.
After not playing a single down in his first two seasons, Devine's punting helped the Mountain Hawks control field position. The left footed junior punted four times with a net average of 45.5 yards and placed a pair of punts inside the James Madison five yard line with one punt downed at the two yard line and the other at the one.
The Oradell, N.J. native's performance led Lehigh into the top spot in the national rankings in terms of punting average, while individually Devine currently ranks seventh in the nation.
The Mountain Hawks will look to rebound from the three-point season-opening setback when they travel to Durham, N.H. to face another CAA opponent in New Hampshire Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for just after 3:30 p.m. with television coverage on the American Sports Network and radio coverage on ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Like Lehigh Football on Facebook and follow on Twitter for exclusive updates throughout the season.
Lehigh Sports Central: Football
Tuesday, December 02
MHT EP6 - Football
Thursday, November 20
Brown & Flight - Episode 4
Friday, November 14
Football Blitz
Friday, October 31
