(Posted November 1, 2004)

Huntingdon, PA - Juniata College senior cornerback Paul Evans (Huntingdon/Huntingdon) has been named the Middle Atlantic Conference Defensive Football Player of the Week for his efforts in Juniata's game this past Saturday. Evans is the first Juniata football player to capture a conference honor this season.

Evans enjoyed one of the finest performances of his accomplished career on Saturday when he matched a Juniata record with three interceptions. All three of his picks came in the second half, as he helped Juniata hold off Lycoming College 14-7 to earn the team's first win of the season. Evans snagged his first interception as Lycoming had driven into Juniata territory, and returned it to the Warrior 28. His second interception was made in the end zone as the Warriors looked for the tying score, and he returned it 41 yards. His final pick was also in the fourth quarter, and he added 28 more yards in returns. For the game he piled up 102 yards in interception returns. The senior also finished with four tackles and six passes defended. His final tackle came on a late Lycoming punt return that saved what could have been a game-tying score and was made after he had his helmet knocked off earlier in the play. He then broke up Lycoming's final pass in the end zone that would have provided a game-tying touchdown.

In his final season on College Hill Evans has anchored a Juniata pass defense that has shown continued improvement throughout the season. A two-time All-Conference player, Evans ranks first on the team and third in the MAC in interceptions, and is first in the conference in passes defended. He has five interceptions on the year, giving him 22 for his career which ranks fourth in Juniata history in career interceptions (records kept since 1966). He also has 42 tackles, 13 pass break-ups and one blocked kick in his senior season.

After the victory over Lycoming, Juniata is now 1-7 on the year and 1-6 in MAC play. Juniata will be back in action on Saturday as the Eagles host MAC opponent King's College.

###

Our readers respond...

Be the first to provide a response.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.