BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- For the third time this season, Bridgewater State University senior linebacker Stephen Jacobs has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Football Defensive Player of the Week.

A native of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, Jacobs recorded nine tackles (five solo), including 1 1/2 for loss, to go along with a blocked a punt that resulted in a safety in the Bears’ 33-27 overtime setback to Alfred University in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Tournament,

In 11 games this season, Jacobs tallied a team-leading 78 tackles (46 solo) with 12 1/2 going for loss and 3 1/2 sacks. He also recorded three blocked kicks, pair of pass breakups and a forced and recovered fumble.

In 30 games over three seasons with the Bears, Jacobs amassed 190 tackles (130 solo) with 6 1/2 sacks and 28 1/2 tackles for loss to go along with an interception, four pass breakups and the three blocked kicks.

The BSU football team finished the season with an overall record of 8-3 including a perfect 8-0 MASCAC mark. The Bears, who captured their first conference title since 2000, advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the fourth time in program history (1999, 2000, 2012, 2016).