5 Golden Eagles Named

Clarion junior defensive tackle Jimmy Simmons (Huntland, Tennessee) and senior offensive tackle Zack Snyder (Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent/St. Mary) were honored today by being named to the NCAA Division II All-Northeast Region first team on the Don Hansen Football Gazette squad.

The Golden Eagles also saw senior linebacker Matt Morris (Boiling Springs) named to the second team, with sophomore tight end Matt Foradora (Fall Creek/Brockway) and senior defensive back Dwaon Woodard (Erie/Central) named to the third team.

A total of 102 players from 28 teams in the Northeast Region were represented on the Football Gazette team. First and second team selections from all regions advance to the national ballot from which the 2006 national All-America team will be named later this month.

Simmons, a 6’2", 245-pound, junior defensive tackle from Huntland, Tennessee, had an amazing year on the defensive line. Simmons totaled 70 tackles, ranked #2 in the NCAA with 27 tfl’s (-100 yards), led the PSAC and NCAA in solo tfl’s with 21, recovered and caused a fumble. His season was very consistent including 10 tackles and 5 tfl’s against Edinboro, along with 3 tfl’s against Tiffin, Slippery Rock, Lock Haven and California. Simmons had 23 tackles and 8 tfl’s in the 2005 season. He is a Rehab Science major and is the son of James and Pam Simmons.

Snyder, a 6’5", 310-pound, senior offensive tackle from Akron, Ohio, finished a strong career on the offensive line. A 4-year starter, he did not miss a game in four seasons and that included 43 games. In 2005 at center he was named third team FB Gazette All-Region at center, and in 2004 he was second team All-Region at center. He was a starting tackle in 2003. Snyder is the son of Dan and Noleen Snyder and is a History major at Clarion.

Morris, a 6’1", 215-pound, senior, linebacker from Boiling Springs, had great career on the Clarion defense. Also a 4-year starter, Morris led the 2006 squad with 91 tackles, 9 tfl’s, 2 interceptions, 3 break-ups and caused a fumble. Last year he was a third team FB Gazette All-American with 102 tackles, 22 tfl’s. In his career he finished with 340 tackles, 54 tfl’s, 9 sacks, 4 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries. He is the son of Diane and William Morris and is a Management major at Clarion.

Foradora, a 6’5", 225-pound, sophomore, tight end from Falls Creek, Pa, and Brockway High, moved to tight end this season from quarterback in 2005. This year he grabbed 24 passes for 295 yards and 4 td’s. His top game was 4 catches for 75 yards and 1 td against Cheyney. He also had 4 grabs for 60 yards against Ship and 4 for 47 and 1 td versus IUP. In 2005 at qb he completed 4 of 8 passes for 27 yards, and as a receiver caught 3 aerials for 33 yards. He is the son of Mark and Darla Foradora and is a Management major.

Woodard, a 5-10, 170-pound, senior defensive back from Erie, Pa. and Central High, has been a 4-year starter with the Golden Eagles. In 2006 he posted 40 tackles, 4 interceptions, 7 break-ups and blocked a kick. He was named the D-II National "Defensive Player of he Week" for his performance against Cheyney that included 3 interceptions, 1 returned for a td, 4 tackles and 2 break-ups. In his career he finished with 166 tckles, 10 interceptions, 26 break-ups and 7 blocked kicks. He was also a strong punt returner. He was a third team All-Region selection in 2004. He is the son of Pamella Ford and Math major at Clarion.

CLARION NOTES: Simmons and Woodard were first team PSAC-West selections in 2006, while Morris, Foradora and Snyder were named to the second team... Clarion finished its first season under new head coach Jay Foster … The Golden Eagles were 1-10 overall, but the Eagles played some very good games. Clarion led #2 ranked Bloomsburg 10-7, #7 ranked IUP 7-6 and Ship 3-0 at halftime before losing those games… Clarion also was within 3 points at half to SR and Kutztown, and pulled to within 21-14 of #6 ranked Cal in the fourth quarter before bowing in those games.