Temple University Athletics
OWL GRIDDERS SWEEP BIG EAST WEEKLY AWARDS
11.18.02 | Football
It marks the third time this season the Owls have had multiple players cited in the league's weekly honors. On October 21, defensive tackle Dan Klecko and kick returner Makonnen Fenton were named the league's Co-Defensive and Co-Special Teams Players of the Week for their efforts in Temple's 38-24 win at Connecticut. On October 14, quarterbacks Mike McGann and Mike Frost were named the Big East's Co-Offensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week, respectively, for their performances in Temple's 17-16 win over Syracuse.
Sharps (5-11, 196), who ranks second all-time at Temple with 3,237 rushing yards, captures weekly honors for the third career time in his career. The senior running back ran for 215 yards, the fourth career game he has surpassed the 200-yard mark. He set a Big East and Temple record with 48 carries, while rushing for one touchdown. Sharps became the eighth player in NCAA history to rush for 100 yards or more four times against the same opponent. He also added one reception for seven yards. Sharps shares his award with Boston College running back Derrick Knight.
Leftwich (6-0, 190) also had six tackles (five solo) in the Owls' victory at Rutgers. The senior cornerback intercepted a pass at the TU six-yard line with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter and the Owls trailing, 17-9. He also recovered a fumble that led to an Owl field goal and had three pass break-ups. Leftwich has 10 career interceptions, the seventh-most in school history. He shares his award with Boston College defensive back Ralph Parent.
Poklemba (5-11, 180) kicked two field goals in difficult weather conditions, including the game-winner with 39 seconds remaining. The senior connected from 41 and 22 yards in the game. Poklemba is second in the Big East with 14 field goals this season. He leads the team with 62 points. The award is the second weekly honor of Poklemba's career.
Temple (4-7, 2-4 Big East), under the direction of fifth-year head coach Bobby Wallace, concludes its 2002 season this Saturday in a 12 noon contest versus Boston College at Veterans Stadium. The game can be listened to live on WPHT (1210 AM).
