BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University senior defensive tackle Paul Melicharek will be competing in a pair of postseason bowl games later this month, the Aztec Bowl in Monterrey, Mexico and the All American Bowl in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Melicharek is among 42 top USA football players from 32 colleges who will showcase their talents in the 40th Annual Aztec Bowl on Friday, December 14th in Monterrey.  Team USA All American Eagles will play against the ONEFA (Organización Nacional Estudiantil de Futbol Americano) All-Stars from the Mexico University system.

The Aztec Bowl is a college Division II/III (since 1973) post-season bowl game that has been played intermittently since at least 1950. With but one exception, all of the games have been played at locations in Mexico. The exception was the 1957 game played in San Antonio, Texas.  In 2011, the All American Eagles defeated the ONEFA All Stars, 28-12.

The 17th Annual All American Bowl has been set for December 22nd at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. There will be three games with players from Division 1AA, Division II, Division III and NAIA participating.  The games will showcase 42 of the nation's top football players on each team, being led by the countries best coaches. The College All American Bowl Game One will get underway at 11:05 AM followed by the College All American Bowl Game Two at 2:05 PM. The nation's top semi-pro free agents will play at 5:05 PM.

Among the top defensive linemen in Bridgewater State football history, Melicharek wrapped up an outstanding four-year career at Bridgewater State as he was named to the 2012 D3football.com All-East Region Third Team, and was chosen as an Honorable Mention selection on the 2012 Beyond Sports Network Division III All-America Team. 

A three-time New England Football Conference (NEFC) All-Bogan Division First Team selection, Melicharek racked up 47 tackles (38 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 6 ½ sacks and a forced fumble to lead the Bears to a 9-2 season in 2012 and their first appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament in 12 years.  The Glen Rock, New Jersey native ranks 30th in all of Division III in tackles for loss.

A major cog in an outstanding BSU defense, Melicharek helped the Bears finish the season ranked tenth in all of Division III in total defense (266.91 ypg), 27th in rush defense (101.82 ypg), 31st in pass defense (165.09 ypg), 34th in scoring defense (17.73 ppg) and 39th in defensive pass efficiency (108.69 rating).

Melicharek started and played in all 41 games since arriving at Bridgewater State as a freshman in 2009.  He amassed 170 tackles (133 solo) with 45 for loss and 10 ½ sacks in his four seasons with the Bears to go along with five forced fumbles.

Melicharek is the first player in Bridgewater State football history to compete in the All American Bowl. He is also the Bears' first representative at the Aztec Bowl since former standout running back Brendan Kavey in 2005.