For the second time in three years, Jack Cosgrove of the University of Maine was named the New England Coach of the Year by the New England Football Writers’ Association.

Cosgrove led a Maine turnaround from a 5-6 record to a 10-2 season that included the school’s first Colonial Athletic Association title, a fifth seed in the NCAA playoffs and a first postseason home game.

The NEFWA also honored five Black Bears, led by quarterback Marcus Wasilewski, the Gold Helmet Player of the Year. Wasilewski joined Warren Smith as the only two Maine quarterbacks to pass for more than 3,000 yards. His 23 passing touchdowns this season is also four shy of Mickey Fein’s single-season record set in 1998.

Wasilewski, who also ran for 620 yards and three touchdowns, was named to the Football Championship Subdivision All-New England team with guard Jeff Gakos, cornerback Kendall James and redshirt freshman linebacker Christophe Mulumba.

Gakos led an offensive line that helped open holes for three 600-yard runners.

James notched two interceptions, eight pass break-ups, blocked a field-goal attempt and made 34 tackles for a secondary ranked first in the league in passing yards allowed (165.4).

Mulumba registered a team-high 105 tackles and won the CAA defensive rookie of the year award.

All four players were first-team All-CAA selections.


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