Lima, Smith Named to D3football.com All-East Region Team

2008 D3football.com All-East Region Team

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. - Senior offensive tackle Justin Lima (Mashpee, MA) and junior offensive guard Jeff Smith (Danvers, MA) have each been named to the 2008 D3football.com All-East Region Third Team.

The teams, selected in balloting by East Region sports information directors and D3football.com staff, were chosen from 191 nominations by Division III member schools. A total of 75 players were chosen.

Lima and Smith anchored an outstanding BSC offensive line that currently ranks fourth in all of Division III in rushing offense (290.90 ypg), eighth in fourth down conversion percentage (68.8%), 27th in third down conversion percentage (45.8%) as well as scoring offense (34.8 ppg), and 28th in total offense (416.6 ypg).

Thanks in part to the solid play of the offensive line, the Bears rushed for 2,909 yards and 35 touchdowns as the team averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. 

Taking on the bulk of the load was senior running back Bruce Burley (Mansfield, MA) who carried the ball 160 times for 1,288 yards and 18 touchdowns.  Burley's 1,288 rushing yards is the fourth highest single-season total in BSC football history, and his 8.1 yards per carry is the highest mark among the Division III rushing leaders this season.

In addition to being named to the All-East Region Team, Lima and Smith were selected to the NEFC All-Bogan Division First Team at the end of the season.  For the second time in his career, Lima was also voted to the ESPN The Magazine All-Academic College Division Team as he garnered first team honors.

Bridgewater State wrapped up the 2008 campaign with a record of 7-3.  The Bears shared the NEFC Bogan Division crown along with Maine Maritime Academy.