Coast Guard’s Joe Rizzardi was honored Wednesday by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston with their weekly Gold Helmet Award.
He becomes the fifth Coast Guard football player to win the award, joining cornerback/kick returner Pat Bennett (2010), quarterback John Resch (2009), quarterback Niles Pierson (2006), and running back Scott Huerter (1988).
The Gold Helmet Award is presented to the Division I-FCS, Division II, or Division III football player from New England who has established himself for outstanding contributions to his team on the given week.
Rizzardi, a sophomore defensive back, was recognized for his performance in Coast Guard’s 37-20 victory over Nichols in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) opener for both schools. The Ashburn, Va. native returning two interceptions for touchdowns – equaling a Coast Guard single-season record – and recording six solo tackles.
Earlier in the week Rizzardi was named the NEFC Defensive Player of the Week.
The starting strong safety lead all NEFC defensive backs with 29 solo tackles and 39 total tackles on the season.
Coast Guard is scheduled to host Western New England on Saturday at 1:30 in a NEFC game as part of Celebrate New London Day at the Academy.
– Day staff reports