By Anthony Gulizia, News Correspondent

Not even the rain could dampen the performance by senior linebacker Jason Vega as he wrapped up a career-high 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the football team’s 14-13 victory over Hofstra Saturday. On Homecoming and Senior Day at Parsons Field, 27 seniors were honored before the last home game of the season. Vega’s efforts were enough to earn him the Thornton Award, which honored him as the defensive MVP of the game, as well as Huntington News Player of the Week honors.
Senior Day is typically filled with emotions as the team’s seniors play the last home game of their career, and head toward the end of their final season. Head coach Rocky Hager said he could attest to this.
‘Jason usually doesn’t display emotion when he plays, but Saturday he did,’ Hager said. ‘I was very pleased by Jason’s performance and that they won the game Saturday, especially for the senior players.’
Vega said it meant a lot to him to play in the final home game on Homecoming weekend, and it meant a lot that he could take this memory away with him as he moves on.
‘It felt good to be able to give the fans that came out to support us a good showing and a victory,’ Vega said. ‘Especially for the parents and alumni that were in attendance.’ Vega said he dedicated his efforts this game to his mother, who was unable to attend the game.
The Thornton Award is handed out every Homecoming game, honoring the offensive and defensive MVPs of the game. Junior running back John Griffin received the offensive award, with a 140-yard, one-touchdown performance.
Vega’s 1.5 sacks this game pushed his season total to seven, placing him fourth in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), and leaving him tied for 26th in the nation.
The highlight of Vega’s performance came on Hofstra’s final drive down the field. On 4th and inches, with the Pride threatening to score, Vega made a tackle as Hofstra sophomore quarterback Steve Probst attempted a quarterback sneak.
Hager spoke highly of Vega’s play.
‘He had about a dozen tackles Saturday and a couple of sacks,’ Hager said. ‘He placed great pressure on the quarterback. And his responsibilities on the option were executed flawlessly.’
Vega said he was very happy to have won the Thornton Award for the Homecoming game.
‘Winning the award is a great memory to take from this game,’ Vega said. ‘Until they announced my name, I actually forgot that the award was even given out during this game.’
Raised in Brockton, Vega said he chose Northeastern because he wanted to stay close to home.
‘I looked at some other CAA schools such as Hofstra and Maine, but I wanted to stay close to my family. That’s part of the reason I chose Northeastern,’ Vega said.
When he’s not driving opponents into the turf, Vega, a criminal justice major, said he likes to play and watch basketball, as well as hang out with friends and former teammates. Upon graduation, Vega said he plans to pursue a Masters degree in business, specializing in finance.
‘