(MSUM Athletics) ST. PAUL, Minn. — MSUM redshirt freshman Gage Florence was named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week after a record-setting performance at Mary this weekend.
Florence, a redshirt freshman from Sawyer, N.D., was given the honors after catching 21 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns in MSUM’s win over UMary. The redshirt freshman’s 21 receptions broke the NSIC record for catches in a game, surpassing Danny Kittner’s 19 set last season. Florence was just two receptions shy of tying the current NCAA record for receptions in a contest.
“I thought Gage was fabulous all day long. He found ways to get open against zone and man coverage. He did a great job running with the ball after catches. I am probably most proud of the way he bounced back after a couple of early drops,” said Dragon head coach Steve Laqua after Florence’s performance on Saturday.
All of those marks were career highs for Florence. He also broke his own school record of 16 receptions in a game which was set on October 1 against Minnesota Duluth. Florence had touchdowns of 10,11 and 16 yards on Saturday.
MSUM defensive lineman Abe Hestdalen is also mentioned in the official NSIC release for a top defensive performance. The redshirt freshman had three solo tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble on Saturday.
The Dragons defeated the Marauders 40-38 on Saturday en route to their seventh consecutive Battle For The Paddle victory.
Florence and the Dragons are back in action on Saturday as they face Northern State at 1 p.m. in Aberdeen.
Comments