Utica, NY (September 8, 2014) - Freshman running back and return man J’Von Evans of the Utica College football team was named the College’s Male Athlete of the Week for his performance in the season-opener against Misericordia University on Saturday. The Pioneers dominated the gridiron on with a 55-0 victory and Evans played a major role in the offensive onslaught.
Evans made his collegiate debut memorable with six punt returns for a school-record 226 yards, including a 74-yard return for a touchdown, also a school-record, in the second quarter. Evans also contributed on offense with 38 yards on the ground, including a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Evans’ 264 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns led the Pioneers and ranks fourth on the College’s all-time list for most all-purpose yards gained in a single game. The NCAA Division III single game record for punt return yards in a single game is 278, set back in 2005.Â
Evans single-handedly gained more yards than the entire Misericordia offense, which was held to just 175 yards by the Pioneers defense.
Utica now owns a 10-4 record all-time in season opening games. Head coach Blaise Faggiano is 6-1 in season-opening games since joining the program in 2008. The program has now won the last six season-opening contests.
The Pioneers remain on the road next Saturday when they travel to Union College for a non-conference contest at 1 p.m.
Â
