HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata football junior Brandon Felus (Columbia, Pa./Columbia) became the first Eagle in over a decade to be named to the Eastern College Athletics Conference (ECAC) Division III South Football All-Star Team. The defensive lineman was one of 31 student-athletes recognized by the organization in the region.
"It clearly demonstrates that the men of the Juniata College football team are sticking with and believing in the process," said Head Coach Tim Launtz. "Juniata men like Brandon have made a commitment to the standard that they want to see the team accomplish. Recognition and awards like these are rewarding for the growth and standards of present and future Juniata men."
Named first-team All-Centennial Conference back in November, Felus led the team in sacks (11.5), averaging 1.15 per game. He ended his season ranked 11th nationally in sacks and now has 17.5 for his career with 101 tackles, 32 for a loss of 146 yards.
"Brandon as a junior was elected as a captain by his teammates which speaks to his character and his level of play," added Launtz. "Consistency in performance is what defines success and Brandon's season is a great example of that. You don't achieve these recognitions without hard work, preparation and hours of effort. Brandon's efforts were worth it and he earned these awards."
He is only the second Eagle in the last decade to tackle for more than a 100 yards in a single season and has the second highest sack total of recent history.
The Eagles defense as a whole had a very successful year in 2012. Two other defenders were named all-conference, Kevin Gorman (Waverly, N.Y., Waverly Central) and Jared Shope (Altoona, Pa./Altoona Area), and the secondary grabbed 10 interceptions while the men in the box accounted for 76.5 tackles for a loss of 298 yards. The Juniata front seven took the quarterback down 30 times in the backfield for a los of 183 yards during the season. In their final two home games of the year, the Eagles allowed just 13 total points from opponents.
"The team understands that you are not entitled because you have had success," said Launtz. "Everyone on the team realizes that we are not where we want to be in terms of performance, but then again, we are not where we were. The attitude must be you never arrive. There is always the next challenge and we are only as good as our next game. The men of the Juniata football program must stay committed to their work ethic, never give up and always improve."
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