Villanova Football Climbs in Polls; Mace, Hartzell Named Players of the Week

Villanova Football saw a pair of athletes earn CAA Player of the Week honors for their performance against William & Mary, graduate linebacker Shane Hartzell and sophomore running back/kick returner Ja’briel Mace.

Hartzell picked up ten tackles, a career high four tackles for loss and two sacks, including a share of the game-winning sack after he touched down Tribe quarterback Tyler Hughes after he slipped on the wet turf during a Hail Mary attempt. Mace began the second half with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown, putting the Wildcats (2-2, 1-1 CAA) ahead for good.

After checking in at No. 20 and No. 22 respectively in the Stats Perform and AFCA Coaches Polls, Villanova improved to No. 18 and No. 20 after their 31-24 win over the Tribe. The Wildcats are one of three CAA teams to land in the polls alongside Monmouth and Rhode Island. New Hampshire, who Villanova will face on the road this week, also received votes, as did Stony Brook.

For a related story, here’s what Ja’briel Mace, head coach Mark Ferrante and running back David Avit had to say about their win over William & Mary.