Oct. 8, 2001
BALTIMORE, Md. - Johns Hopkins senior linebacker Marc Della Pia (West Caldwell, NJ/James Caldwell) spearheaded the Johns Hopkins defense in a 13-7 win over Ursinus last Saturday and has been named Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts, it was announced today by the league. This is the first time Della Pia has earned the award in his career, while he is the third Johns Hopkins defensive player to be named Centennial Defensive Player of the Week this season. Previously, senior defensive lineman Adam Seidman earned the award after Johns Hopkins defeated Washington & Lee in the season-opener, while sophomore nose guard Paul Smith took the honor last week after a 14-7 win over Gettysburg.
Della Pia posted nine tackles, including one for a loss, and added a pass breakup to lead the way for Hopkins in the win over the Bears. With Della Pia leading the way, the Blue Jays held Ursinus to just 154 yards of total offense, including 26 yards passing. The Bears were forced to punt on each of their first eight possessions and 11 times on 15 possessions during the course of the game.
After leading the team in tackles in each of the last two years, Della Pia is currently leading the team in tackles once again this season. Through five games, he has 36 tackles, including two for losses, and one pass breakup to his credit. The Johns Hopkins defense currently leads the Centennial Conference in scoring defense (14.6 points per game), passing defense (87.8 yards per game), pass efficiency defense (62.6 rating), and total defense (234.6 yards per game). The Blue Jays rank third in rushing defense (146.8 yards per game) and have held four of their first five opponents to seven points or less.
Under the guidance of 12th-year coach Jim Margraff, Johns Hopkins currently boasts a 4-1 overall record, which includes a 2-0 record in the Centennial Conference. The Blue Jays, who have received votes in the AFCA NCAA Division III Poll in each of the last three weeks, will travel to Muhlenberg (3-2, 2-1 CC) for a key Centennial Conference matchup on Saturday at 1:00 pm.
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