Football honored with two Ivy League awards
Two Penn football players were honored with Ivy League Player of the Week awards following Saturday's 32-25, double-overtime win at Bucknell.
Quarterback Pat McDermott was named Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week. McDermott completed 32 of 55 passes for 384 yards and a touchdown in the dramatic come-from-behind win. He also ran for two scores, including a 1-yard scamper that put the Quakers ahead for good in the second overtime.
Called upon to take Mike Mitchell's place at center stage for Penn this season, McDermott has responded. Over the past two games, McDermott has thrown for 633 yards and accounted for six touchdowns while throwing just one interception.
Defensive lineman Naheem Harris earned Ivy League Rookie of the Week for his performance against Bucknell.
Harris paced the Quakers' defense with five tackles (three solo) and two tackles for a loss.
The freshman has already seen action in three games, showing agility in pass coverage as well as ample ability to stuff the run.
-- Harry Berezin Cepero takes home Philly Soccer 7 honor
Critical acclaim continues to roll in for Penn sophomore goalie Daniel Cepero, as he was named Philadelphia Soccer Seven Player of the Week and received an Ivy League Honor Roll mention.
An unknown at the start of the season, Cepero has improved each week in his first season as the starter. Saturday's victory over Columbia was Cepero's fifth shutout of the season and fourth in five games.
"It's a well-deserved honor for Danny," Penn coach Rudy Fuller said in a press release. "He's been outstanding in net for us thus far this year. I look forward to him continuing the run over the remainder of the season."
Cepero made six saves against the Lions on Saturday. During the Quakers' six-game unbeaten streak, Cepero has allowed just two goals while stopping 27 shots. For the year, the sophomore has a 0.75 goals against average.
-- H.B. Blackshear suspended for violating team rules
The Temple men's basketball team has suspended forward Michael Blackshear indefinitely for violating team rules.
The 6-foot-6 junior from Philadelphia averaged 2.3 points and 5.9 rebounds in 23 games, including two starts.
The suspension leaves the Owls without one of their top returning rebounders. Blackshear led Temple in rebounding last season as well as ranking third in the Atlantic-10 with 3.1 offensive rebounds per game.
Last season against Penn, Blackshear appeared for seven minutes, posting two points and three rebounds in the Owls' 73-69 win at the Palestra.
Temple coach John Chaney did not disclose the nature of the violation yesterday.
-- H.B.
