Brockport, NY - On Monday, the Empire 8 announced the Elijah Grooms was selected as the E8 Football Defensive Player of the Week.

Grooms put together a career day in the 24-0 win over Morrisville, helping the Golden Eagles defense extend its program record with a fourth straight shutout. From the secondary he had two interceptions and forced a fumble in the game. His second interception sealed the win, as he ran it back 35 yards for touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Grooms also chipped in with three total tackles (2 solo), including 1.5 tackles for loss.

The Brockport defense ranks #1 nationally allowing an average of just 6.3 points per game this season. Brockport's average points allowed ranks second in all of NCAA college football (FCS, FBS, Div. II, Div. III) behind Div. II Harding who averages 5.9 points allowed.

Brockport, winners of five straight, continues to climb the receiving votes category of the D3football.com National Rankings. The Golden Eagles received 14 votes this week and sit just seven spots outside of the Top 25 heading into Saturday's road game at Utica.
 
Kickoff for this weekend's Empire 8 battle is set for 12pm.