FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2001

MERKLINGER AND EDWARDS EARN NEC FOOTBALL HONORS
 

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.  – Monmouth University standouts Matt Merklinger (West Orange, N.J./Seton Hall Prep) and Aaron Edwards (Jackson, N.J./Jackson) were recognized for their outstanding performances in the Hawks’ 23-15 victory over Wagner as the Northeast Conference named its players of the week on Monday.

Merklinger, a senior offensive co-captain, accounted for 61 percent of Monmouth offense in the game with 140 rushing yards and 33 receiving yards. Merklinger, a second-team All-Northeast Conference selection in 2000, was not only a workhorse for Monmouth, but he also delivered the knockout blow. Merklinger tallied 32 carries on the afternoon, but his biggest rush would come with Monmouth nursing a one-point lead. With Monmouth in a third-and-long situation, leading 16-15 with 2:11 left on the clock, Merklinger burst through the Seahawks’ defense and scampered 70 yards for a touchdown to put the Hawks up by eight points.

Edwards, a two-time All-NEC choice, turned in a stellar performance on Saturday afternoon. Edwards made nine tackles, including eight solo takedowns. He also blocked a punt, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass in the victory. With the Hawks trailing 15-9 in the fourth quarter, Edwards’ block of a Danny Shea punt gave the Hawk offense the ball at the 19-yard line and lead to the eventual go-ahead touchdown. Edwards’ pickoff in the end zone on the final play of the game ended Wagner’s comeback attempt.

Monmouth’s victory over Wagner marked the first time in the nine-year history of the program that the Hawks won a season opener. The MU defense stymied Wagner and held the Seahawks to just 175 total yards, including just 48 on the ground. Monmouth’s secondary, led by Edwards intercepted three passes on the afternoon.

The victory moved Monmouth to the No. 9 spot on The Sports Network 2001 I-AA Top 10 Mid-Major College Football Poll. It marks Monmouth’s first appearance in the poll, which is in its inaugural season.

Monmouth, which sits in a three-way tie with Albany and Sacred Heart for the top spot in the NEC standings with 1-0 records, faces one of its stiffest tests of the season this week as the Hawks host Robert Morris College Saturday in a 1 p.m. contest at Kessler Field.