2008 ECAC Division III Northeast All-Star Team

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State College senior offensive tackle Justin Lima (Mashpee, MA) has been selected to the 2008 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Northeast Football All-Star Team.

The all-star team, consisting of 25 players, was selected in balloting by the Northeast Region head coaches.

Lima anchored an outstanding BSC offensive line that ranked fourth in all of Division III in rushing offense (290.90 ypg), eighth in fourth down conversion percentage (68.8%), 26th in third down conversion percentage (45.8%) as well as scoring offense (34.8 ppg), and 27th in total offense (416.6 ypg).

Thanks in part to the solid play of the offensive line, the Bears rushed for 2,909 yards and 35 touchdowns as the team averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. 

Taking on the bulk of the load was senior running back Bruce Burley (Mansfield, MA) who carried the ball 160 times for 1,288 yards and 18 touchdowns.  Burley's 1,288 rushing yards is the fourth highest single-season total in BSC football history, and his 8.1 yards per carry is the highest mark among the Division III rushing leaders this season.

In addition to being named to the All-East Region Team, Lima was also selected the D3football.com All-East Region Third Team as well as the NEFC All-Bogan Division First Team.  Also, for the second time in his career, Lima was voted to the ESPN The Magazine All-Academic College Division Team as he garnered first team honors.

Bridgewater State wrapped up the 2008 campaign with a record of 7-3.  The Bears shared the NEFC Bogan Division crown along with Maine Maritime Academy.

Lima is the 28th different member of the BSC football program to make the team since 1989 and first since since Mike Sirignano in 2006. The Bears have had a total of 38 ECAC All-Star selections since 1989 with Sirignano (2005, 2006), Mark Goldman (!989, 1990), Erik Arthur (1992, 1993), Seto Berry (1997, 1999), Rich Cawley (1997, 1998, 1999), Steve Femino (1998, 1999), Andy Macaione (1998, 1999) and Chris Carr (1999, 2000) earning the honor more than once.