UTICA, NY - Another week, another Pioneer player on the D3football.com National Team of the Week. This time, its hard-hitting Pioneer safety
Joseph Gentile (Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor) that got the nod, achieving his first-career Team of the Week honor.
Gentile, a senior safety, was stellar in Saturday's 33-7 win over Morrisville, getting active in both the run and pass defense while being disruptive with his hard-hitting style. Gentile tallied six tackles, five of which were solo takedowns as he wrapped up well in the open field. He also picked up an interception and forced a fumble during the contest, throwing off the Mustang offense as the Pioneers allowed just seven points to the opponent. Gentile has had a very strong season after taking over for one of the Pioneers' all-time great safeties in
Eli Douglas (Ausable Forks, NY/Ausable Valley), who graduated following the 2025 campaign. Gentile has posted a team-high 23 solo tackles through six games, and ranks second on the team with 35 total takedowns. In addition, he's also racked up 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a single breakup, quarterback hurry, forced fumble, and fumble recovery.
Here is a look at all of the team's accolades so far this season:
Week one vs W&J - W, 26-11
Nico Duarte (Kearny, NJ/Saint Peter's Prep) - Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Week
Logan Frederick (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls) - D3football.com National Team of the Week
Week two at RPI - W, 38-14
Tyshawn Taylor (Syracuse, NY/Syracuse Institute of Technology) - Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week
Tyshawn Taylor (Syracuse, NY/Syracuse Institute of Technology) - D3football.com National Team of the Week
Week three vs Hobart - W, 36-29
Jack Lamphere (Chittenango, NY/Chittenango) - D3football.com Game Ball
Week four at Alfred State - W, 58-13
Nico Duarte (Kearny, NJ/Saint Peter's Prep) - Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Week
Tahjir Fernand (Fort Lauderdale, FL/New Rochelle) - D3football.com National Team of the Week
Week six at Morrisville State - W, 33-7
Joseph Gentile (Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor) - D3football.com National Team of the Week
Tyler Szalkowski (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute) - Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week
Jordyn Davis (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) - Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week
