PHILADELPHIA -- Senior cornerback Chonn Lacey (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown HS) and junior place kicker Cap Poklemba (Westminster, Md./McDonogh HS) were named the Big East Conference Co-Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, after the Owls' 17-14 win at West Virginia on Saturday (Nov. 17). Lacey shares the award with Virginia Tech linebacker Ben Taylor.
Lacey (6-2, 218) made 11 tackles (10 solo), two interceptions and a forced fumble in the Owls' first victory over West Virginia since 1984, ending a string of 10 straight losses to the Mountaineers. With 1:29 remaining in the game, he picked off a Rasheed Marshall pass at the WVU 33-yard line to preserve the win. Earlier in the game, Lacey made an aerial theft at the Temple five-yard line on a Hail Mary pass at the conclusion of the first half.
Lacey has accumulated nine career interceptions, seventh best all-time at Temple. He also ranks fourth in career solo tackles with 209. This season, Lacey leads the team in tackles (76) and interceptions (3). It marks the second time Lacey has earned the award since his arrival on North Broad Street. He also captured the Big East honor on October 19, 1998, after the Owls' 28-24 win at No. 10 Virginia Tech.
Poklemba (5-11, 175) accounted for nine of the Owls' points. He connected on field goal attempts of 33, 30 and 35 yards, including the game winner with 9:58 remaining. The three field goals tied his career best.
Poklemba leads the Owls in scoring with 34 points. He ranks sixth all-time at Temple with 22 career field goals.
Temple (3-7, 2-5) concludes its 103rd season of collegiate football this Saturday (November 24) with a 12 noon contest against Connecticut (2-8) at Franklin Field. The game was originally scheduled for September 15, but was postponed due to the terrorist attacks of September 11.
