Brockport junior kicker Zach McGowan was named the Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Week for the third consecutive week after the Golden Eagles 51-0 victory over Alfred. Following a perfect performance where the junior went 3-for-3 for field goals with a new career long of 41 yards, 6-for-6 on point-after attempts and five touchbacks for 627 yards on 10 kick-offs, McGowan was named to the D3football.com Week Nine Team of the Week.
Since taking over full-time responsibilities in the October 18th win over Alfred State, McGowan has gone 19 for 21 on point-after attempts, a perfect 5 for 5 on field goals and has a total of 18 touchbacks on kick-offs.
“I mean, it’s just a great feeling”, McGowan said. “My initial reaction was just wow. It’s just such a great accomplishment to earn once, let alone three times in a row. It just shows how great a team we are and how great the guys around me are producing.”
Following being named to the D3football.com Team of the Week after a streak of strong performances, McGowan is further inspired to work for everything possible for the remainder of the season.
“Just an outstanding feeling to be recognized by them [D3football.com],” McGowan said. “It makes me want to continue to work even harder day in and day out.”
Since taking over full-time responsibilities, McGowan’s preparation has yet to see many major changes during the week. The junior’s goal is to maintain consistency in preparation for the contests ahead.
“Nothing really big, just working on technique-based stuff,” McGowan said. “Getting a consistent swing every rep to be able to perform at the highest level. Taking more reps live and off of sticks on the side, dialing my steps, and getting comfortable, so when the moment comes, I can rise to it. When we get our period during practice, just executing and trying to be perfect day in and day out.”
McGowan has adopted a leadership role, following the graduation of multiple senior special teams’ players. Amongst a young core, the junior knew it was his turn to lead and build up the underclassmen of the team.
“We had a couple of seniors graduate last year, so now being the oldest of the group and having three freshmen, I knew I needed to step up,” McGowan said. “Just getting them mentally prepared and locked in every day and especially game day is a big part, I believe, of our overall success that we have had as a group this season.”
In reflection of the season thus far, McGowan recognizes the struggles faced early on, and how he and the underclassmen were able to fill into their new roles.
“First, I am proud of the special teams’ guys around me, as we faced adversity early in the season with injuries, forcing the young guys into big roles, which they have stepped up and then some,” McGowan said. “Then, obviously, I am just proud of my abilities to also step up and fill in at such a high level. The goal from here on out would be to be perfect on kicks and help our unit to be the best in the country and make it to the Stagg Bowl.”
Brockport (6-2, 4-1) currently sits tied 2nd in the Empire 8 with Utica University (6-2, 4-1), behind SUNY Cortland (7-1, 6-0). Brockport will travel to Cortland this Saturday, November 8, aiming to stay alive for an Empire 8 Championship and an automatic DIII Playoffs bid.
