The wins for the Colonials seeped into Monday afternoon as quarterback Anthony Chiccitt and linebacker Keon Freeman were named as the NEC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.
Against the LIU Sharks on Saturday, Chiccitt racked up a career high 351 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions on an incredibly efficient 19-for-25 completion.
The last time a RMU quarterback threw for more yards against a D-I was back in 2003 when Rich Demaio passed for 444 against local rival Duquesne. Highlights for Chiccitt include two touchdown passes over 75 yards, including an 86-yard bomb to receiver Shawn Charles to put the game away in the second half.
After week 8, Chiccitt leads the NEC in passer rating (152.0) and completion percentage (69.1%), and is second in touchdowns (12) and passing yards per game (219.7).
Another standout from the 45-31 win over LIU was graduate student linebacker Keon Freeman, who racked up 14 tackles (6 of which were solo), 2 tackles for a loss, and a 37-yard fumble return touchdown. The tackle number was a career-high, and his touchdown put RMU up 23-7 early in the third quarter.
Freeman’s 56 tackles this season ranks third in the NEC, only behind Central Connecticut’s Kimal Clark and Mercyhurst’s Tyler Buterbaugh.
The Colonials rise to 4-3 (2-0) on the year, and will play the 2-5 (0-3) St. Francis Red Flash at Joe Walton Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
