PRINCETON, W.Va. – West Liberty University defensive back Marco Ricchetti has earned his second West Virginia Conference Defensive Player of the Week Award of the season after helping lead the Hilltoppers to a 17-16 victory against No. 25 Shepherd on Saturday.
Ricchetti, a 6-3, 200-pound junior weak safety from Martins Ferry, Ohio, got West Liberty off to a flying start when he intercepted a Ram pass near midfield and returned it deep into Shepherd territory before lateraling to teammate Rod White for the game’s first touchdown less than three minutes after the opening kickoff.
The former Purple Rider standout continued his outstanding play all afternoon, tying a career high with 12 tackles – including 6 solo hits – from his spot in the WLU secondary. He wrapped things up by recovering an onside kick in the final two minutes to seal West Liberty’s first victory against a nationally-ranked opponent in three seasons.
Ricchetti’s previous Player of the Week Award came on Sept. 10 when he was honored for his play in the Hilltoppers’ 14-13 non-conference win at Virginia State. West Liberty quarterback Dylan Lagarde was the Offensive Player of the Week a week ago after his 5-touchdown performance in a 52-19 win at West Virginia State.
Charleston running back Jordan Roberts won this week’s WVIAC Special Teams Player of the Week Award and shared Offensive Player of the Week honors with Fairmont State wide receiver Matt Wilmer.
Ricchetti and Roberts will meet face-to-face on Saturday when the Hilltoppers (4-3, 3-2) host the Golden Eagles (6-1, 3-1) in what now shapes up as a crucial WVIAC showdown. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Russek Field.
