LOCK HAVEN, Pa. -- After causing fits in Pace's backfield the entire game, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced on Monday morning that Deshawn McCarthy was named the East Defensive Athlete of the Week.

McCarthy registered four sacks and a total of six tackles for loss against the Setter. He paced the Warrior defense that totaled seven sacks, 14 tackles for loss and allowed just 286 yards (88 yards rushing, 198 passing) of total offense.

His four sacks are the most by a Warrior since Brian Holkovic posted four sacks against Kutztown in 2001. Only Johnny Lee Davis (5 sacks 1991 at Lenoir-Rhyne) and Eric Sampson (5 sacks in 1988 vs. Kutztown) have recorded more than four sacks in a game.

The native of Philadelphia is tied for the national lead in Division II in sacks with Mercyhurst's Bradley Burrows and leads the nation with six tackles for loss through the first week of the season. He led the Warriors with six sacks during the 2019 campaign.

The Warriors have technically earned back-to-back PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Weeks, as linebacker Joel Ozoemena was selected as the PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week after leading the Warriors defense with seven tackles, a forced fumble and an interception in a win against Clarion in the 2019 season finale. There was 653 days in between games, due COVID-19 pandemic canceling the 2020 season.  

ESU looks to keep momentum at No. 5 Slippery Rock on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. The Warriors seek its first win over a nationally-ranked foe since 2008.