PITMAN --- The New Jersey Athletic Conference announced its football weekly honors for the week ending Sept. 7.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
CONNOR BARRY • Christopher Newport University
Junior • Quarterback • Vienna, VA / James Madison
Barry collected NJAC Offensive Player of the Week honors after a near-perfect effort in Christopher Newport’s 38–7 victory over Trine. The junior quarterback completed 14 of 17 passes (82.4%) for 271 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Barry connected with Colin Hart on four of his scoring strikes, including a 62-yard touchdown, and did all his damage in just three quarters before giving way with the Captains comfortably ahead.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JUSTIN KURC • The College of New Jersey
Senior • Defensive Back • Brick, NJ / Brick Township
Kurc was named NJAC Defensive Player of the Week after producing two interceptions to lift TCNJ past Lycoming, 27–24. The senior defensive back returned his first interception 37 yards for a touchdown to give the Lions an early 10-0 lead. He then sealed the victory with another interception in the closing minutes, preventing a late Lycoming rally. Kurc also contributed a pass breakup, turning in a game-changing defensive performance for TCNJ.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
ANTHONY LOPEZ • Kean University
Freshman • Kicker • Rahway, NJ / Rahway
Lopez secured NJAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after drilling a clutch 26-yard field goal with three seconds left to give Kean a 17–14 win over SUNY Morrisville. The freshman kicker went 2-for-2 on PATs and hit his first career field goal attempt to break the tie and deliver the Cougars’ first season-opening win since 2015.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
JOSH PEGUERO • Vermont State University–Castleton
Freshman • Wide Receiver • Middletown, NY / Minisink Valley
Josh Peguero earned NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week recognition for his debut performance in Castleton’s 16–12 victory over Westfield State. The freshman wide receiver hauled in two receptions for 47 yards, including the decisive game-winning touchdown. Peguero’s fourth-quarter score capped the Spartans’ comeback and marked his first career touchdown.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
TYLER SUK • Kean University
Freshman • Defensive Line • Flemington, NJ / Hunterdon Central
Suk collects the first NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Week honor of the season after a solid collegiate debut for the Cougars. The rookie d-lineman registered four total tackles – including two solo and two assisted – as Kean defeated Morrisville 17-14 in the season opener. He helped the Cougars win their first season opener since 2015.