FOREST, Va. --- Postseason honors for NCAA Division III football's best players have started to roll in, with the ODAC well represented. Guilford College quarterback Matt Pawlowski leads the pack as he is a finalist for the 2015 Gagliardi Trophy, which honors the top player in D-III football. He is one of four finalists that will make the trip to Salem, Va., on Wednesday, December 16, a special ceremony in conjunction with the Stagg Bowl.
In addition to the Gagliardi Trophy finalists, the all-region teams from D3football.com feature several conference standouts. The Toucdown Club of Richmond also announced its annual state-wide awards with several honors going to ODAC athletes.
Gagliardi Trophy finalists
D3football.com All-South Region Team
Touchdown Club of Richmond honors
Pawlowski, senior from Greensboro, Va., doubles as the D3football.com South Region Offensive Player of the Year in addition to a second straight J. Stokeley Fulton Offensive Player of the Year award from the ODAC. NCAA Division III's fifth-highest rated passer (180.5) led the ODAC in passing yards (3,333), touchdowns (39) and fewest interceptions thrown (2) among quarterbacks with at least 100 pass attempts. He was second in the league in completions (227) and completion percentage (64.9%; 227-of-350). Pawlowski threw for an ODAC record 611 yards with seven touchdowns in a 52-49 win at Catholic. The 611 yards stand second in the country this year, regardless of NCAA division. A Gagliardi Trophy semifinalist for the second straight season, Pawlowski sits second among the ODAC's career leaders in passing yards (11,625) and touchdowns (116) and is third in completion percentage (63.7%; 872-of-1,369). With just 16 career interceptions, he compiled a 7.25-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Four players earned honors from the annual awards convocation by the Touchdown Club of Richmond. Hampden-Sydney College running back Kyree Koonce was named the Offensive Back of the Year and was the runner-up for the Lanier Award as the top NCAA Division II or III player in Virginia. Tigers' cornerback Sidney Henry picked up Defensive Back of the Year honors. Washington and Lee University tackle Michael LaSala was tabbed the Offensive Lineman of the Year, and Emory & Henry College kicker Syler Simcox earned Specialist of the Year accolades.
The D3football.com All-South Region Team featues a dozen ODAC players. Pawlowski is joined by his favorite target Adam Smith and W&L's LaSala on the first team. Generals' center Raymond Monasterski earned second team laurels along with H-SC's Henry and Quakers' punter Tyler Hunt and running back De'Eric Bell, who earned his honor as a return specialist. The third team includes W&L guard Chris Osier, Bridgewater College tight end Keith Jennings, E&H's Simcox and cornerback Tre'von Lightfoot, and Randolph-Macon College defensive tackle Xavier Strothers.
For more information on ODAC Football, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com. Don't forget to become a fan of the ODAC on Facebook and follow @odacathletics on Twitter.