BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University senior linebacker Brendan Albert has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Football Defensive Player of the Week.

Albert notched 12 tackles, including five solo stops and one tackle for loss, in the Bears' 20-19 MASCAC win over four-time defending conference champion Framingham State University on Saturday at Swenson Field. The Canton, Massachusetts product came up with a clutch game-saving blocked field goal (22-yard attempt) with 2:53 remaining in the fourth quarter with Bridgewater clinging to the one-point lead.

Through nine games this season, Albert has recorded 91 tackles (51 solo) with 5 1/2 tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and the blocked kick. He currently leads the MASCAC in solo tackles and is tied for the conference lead in forced fumbles. Albert also ranks second in the MASCAC in both assisted tackles and total tackles.

In 19 games over two seasons with the Bears, Albert has amassed 201 tackles (121 solo) with 20.0 tackles for loss, 6 1/2 sacks and seven forced fumbles. He also has two fumble returns for touchdowns.

The MASCAC Defensive Player of the Week distinction marks the third of Albert's career as he also earned the honor twice last season.

The BSU football team is currently 5-4 on the season and 5-2 in the MASCAC. The Bears host the Buccaneers of Massachusetts Maritime Academy in the 43rd Annual Cranberry Bowl sponsored by A&A Metro Transportation on Saturday at noon.