Sept. 22, 2008
PITTSBURGH - Duquesne true freshman linebacker Chidozie Oparanozie (Pittsburgh, Pa./The Linsly (W.Va.) School) was named Northeast Conference Football Rookie of the Week for his performance in Duquesne's 21-7 conference-opening win over Saint Francis, Pa. on Saturday.
The 6-0, 235-pound Pittsburgh native (North Side), stopped a pair of Red Flash scoring drives with red zone interceptions to help the Dukes notch their first win as member of the NEC. With the score tied 7-7 and Saint Francis driving in the second quarter, Oparanozie stepped in front of a George Little pass at the DU 12 and returned it 55 yards to set up a nine-yard Connor Dixon to Michael Rasky touchdown pass.
On SFU's next possession, Oparanozie put an end to a 16-play drive when he corralled a tipped pass at the Duquesne two-yard-line. Two plays later, Dixon hit Conrad Carter with a 91-yard touchdown pass to give the Dukes a 21-7 lead that held up as the final score.
Oparanozie finished the game with six tackles (four solo) including one tackle for loss.
Duquesne (1-1, 1-0), is in the midst of a three-game homestand that continues when defending mid-major National Champion Dayton (3-0) visits Rooney Field at 1:00 on Saturday, Sept. 27.
PRONUNCIATION: Chi-DOZE-e-AY o-pear-a-NOZE-e-AY
