October 1, 2008

Maine Maritime Running Back Jim Bower Honored by New England Football Writers Association and the ECAC

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Northeastern free safety Nate Thellen (Brockton, Mass.) and Maine Maritime running back Jim Bower (South Paris, Maine) received the Boston Globe Gold Helmet Awards Wednesday at the New England Football Writers luncheon at Harvard’s Hall of History in the Murr Center.

Bower rushed for 225 on 18 carriers (12.5 ypr) to carry the Mariners to a 41-31 victory over Bridgewater State Saturday in the team’s homecoming game. The junior added three touchdowns, including an 85-yarder, in a game that featured 832 total yards of offense. The win improved the Mariners’ record to 2-2, 1-0 in the Bogan Division of the New England Football Conference. This was the first time a Maine Maritime player has recieved this award in over ten years. For his efforts Bower was also selected as the ECAC DIII Player of the Week. Bower currently ranks second in NCAA DIII in rushing with 176.25 yards per game and is fourth in the country in scoring with 70 points.

Thellen made three interceptions, including one that he ran back 92 yards for a touchdown, as the Huskies defeated UC Davis, 27-10, Saturday in its home opener. Thellen’s three picks were the second-most in a game by a Husky, a feat that had been accomplished seven times previously. It was also the first time a Husky player had a touchdown off an interception since Nov. 9, 2002. Thellen was named the CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week and the Sports Network National Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. The win moved Northeastern into the win column for the first time this season.

Thellen’s first pick with two minutes remaining in the second quarter set up a 1st and 10 at the UC Davis 21. On the next play, Northeastern threw a touchdown pass to give the Huskies a 21-10 lead. UC Davis then drove down the field on the next possession, but Thellen again thwarted the drive, intercepting a pass in the end zone with 24 seconds remaining in the half. Then, facing a 1st and 10 at the Husky 15 late in the fourth quarter, Thellen sealed the win with his touchdown return with 3:01 left.

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