Wittenberg lineman wins NCAC defensive player of the year award

Ferko second Tiger in a row to win league’s top honor

Wittenberg Tigers defensive lineman Chandler Ferko won the North Coast Athletic Conference’s Hank Critchfield award Thursday. He’s the second Wittenberg defender in as many years to be named the top defensive player in the conference, following linebacker Dustin Holmes.

Ferko is the 10th Wittenberg player to win the award. He recorded 48 tackles and ranked third in the league with 9½ sacks.

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Wittenberg's Joe Fincham was named NCAC Coach of the Year for the 10th time in 22 seasons. The Tigers finished 10-0 and 9-0 in the league and will play Frostburg State in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs at noon Saturday at Edwards-Maurer Field.

Eleven Wittenberg players made the NCAC first team: tight end Tyler Everidge; offensive linemen Luke Jahnke, Brenden Jurden and Scott Turner; linebackers Jack Kayser, Terrance Crowe and Jonathan Seay; Ferko and fellow defensive lineman Jeremy Asiffo; and defensive backs Jay Mastin and Keenan Wilson.

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Named to the second team were: running back DeShawn Sarley; wide receiver Liam Duncan; defensive lineman Brandon Daniels; punter Bryce Bailey; and return specialist Nick Kendall. Quarterback Jake Kennedy received an honorable mention.

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