Westfield State University senior linebacker Zach Howard (Spencer, Mass) and running back Travon Holder (Hartford, Conn.) have been named to the 2018 New England Football Writers Division II/III All-New England Team, selected by New England football writers.
Thirty-one players representing 22 different teams have been named to the 2018 New England Football Writers College Division All-New England teams.
On the field, Howard was a force. He led the Owls defense with 78 total tackles. He had 3.5 sacks on the year along with 11.5 tackles for loss, one force fumble, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. For his stellar defensive play he was named the 2018 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference football Defensive Player of the year and he was named first-team All-Conference for the third straight year.
Howard is a Criminal Justice major and looks forward to pursue his career in law enforcement after he graduates.
Travon Holder had a terrific season on the ground for the Owls this season. Holder led the MASCAC in rushing yards (1,132), yards per game (125.8) and touchdowns (15). His play landed him on first team All-Conference for the second straight year. In Holder's four years at Westfield he rushed for 3,428 yards, caught 37 passes for 314 yards and 38 total touchdowns. Holder is third on the all-time rushing list, second on the all-time scoring list and tied the school's record with 38 touchdowns.
Holder will graduate from Westfield with a degree in Criminal Justice.
The Owls finished the year 5-5, 4-4 in the MASCAC.
The Division II/III All-New England team will be honored at the New England Writers Captains and Awards banquet on Thursday, December 6, at Rosaria Restaurant and Function Facility in Saugus, Mass. Tickets are $60/person and are available only by credit card at http://newenglandfootballwriters.com/captains-%26-awards-banquet. People interested in attending should contact Dick Lipe at Bentley University at 781-891-2334.