The football team pulled out a big win against Hofstra, sealed by a last second, game-winning touchdown pass caught by junior tight end Brian Mandeville.

Mandeville had six catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns in the game. This performance earned him the Northeastern News Player of the Week honors.

“It was kind of a thrill,” Mandeville said.

The win propelled the Huskies to their third win of the season, giving them back-to-back wins for the first time this year.

“We are trying to finish out strong,” Mandeville said. “A 4-7 record looks a lot better than a 3-8.”

As for the rest of the season, only one game remains. The Huskies travel to take on Rhode Island Sunday at noon.

“We have had success when playing them in the past but they are playing well recently,” Mandeville said. “They are better than they have been in past years so it should be a good challenge for us.”

Mandeville said he wants to keep his focus on finishing out strong for this year, but it is hard to not look ahead to next season.

When he is not reeling in touchdowns, Mandeville tries to relax when he gets the chance.

“I spend a lot of time with the guys on the team, just hanging out,” he said.

A sociology major, he is not sure what direction he is headed in yet. He is also interested in history, and takes a lot of classes in that area. However, choosing Northeastern for college was an easy decision.

“I like the school and it has a strong program,” the Walpole native said. “I enjoyed visiting and it is close to home so it was a good fit for me. My father works in the city, so it’s nice to be able to spend time with my friends and family.”

He describes himself as a typical New England sports fan, especially when it comes to the Patriots.

“I am enjoying the success that they have been having in recent years,” Mandeville said.

Recently, there have been rumors about football being cut from the school’s athletics program. Ever since those rumors started, the Huskies have quickly tried to quiet them with performance, pulling out two big wins in a row. Mandeville said he thinks that it is just a rumor and nothing more.

“What’s a school without a football team?” Mandeville asks. “It’s just been a lot of rumors, and whatever happens, happens.”

Whatever the circumstances, the team has recently come together. It was good timing, regardless of the rumors.

“We started off real tight,” Mandeville said. “Now we have come together as a football team and it shows in our record. It also shows character because most teams would not be able to pull this together like we have.”

– Jared Shafran, News Correspondent