McAllister, George snag NESCAC defensive, special teams awards

HADLEY, Mass. — The Bates football team snagged two out of three individual player honors on Sunday from the New England Small College Athletic Conference, reaping the awards from the Bobcats’ decisive 28-9 victory over Tufts yesterday. Senior outside linebacker Brett McAllister (Exeter, N.H.) won NESCAC Defensive Player of the Week honors, and junior running back and kick returner Patrick George (Gloucester, Mass.) was awarded as NESCAC Special Teams Player of the Week.

The Bobcats (1-1) put on a show for Parents & Family Weekend Saturday at Garcelon Field, beating Tufts for the second straight year with their largest margin of victory since 2004, following 24 years of frustrating losses to the Jumbos.McAllister had a big day with two interceptions, two sacks and two pass breakups in addition to five tackles (four solo). McAllister also came down with the ball simultaneously with sophomore teammate Andrew Kukesh (Exeter, N.H.) on another Bates interception that was credited to Kukesh. McAllister’s big plays were a key to a terrific performance by the Bates defense, which limited the Jumbos to 18 rushing yards on 25 carries, intercepted Tufts quarterback Johnny Lindquist four times and sacked him six times for a total loss of 38 yards.

McAllister, the younger brother of former two-time All-NESCAC defensive back Kyle McAllister ’10, is tied for the conference lead in interceptions (2) with three other players, two of whom are his teammates: junior Kyle Starr (Concord, N.H.) and senior Cam Evans (Norwell, Mass.).

George was a major factor for Bates on both special teams and offense. He returned the game-opening kickoff 32 yards, helping set up the Bobcats’ early lead, and finished with 55 yards on two kickoff returns. George also rushed for a two-point conversion to put the Bobcats ahead 21-3 in the second quarter. On offense, he rushed for a game- and career-high 84 yards on 22 carries, scoring one touchdown, and also caught one pass. On numerous occasions during the game, George extended plays and earned first downs for the Bobcats by pushing the pile ahead of him.

George currently ranks fourth in the conference in all-purpose yards per game (138.0) and is seventh in rushing, with 73.5 yards per game.

View the NESCAC Football Weekly Release (PDF)