Izzy Gimm - Website and Social Media Manager
Monmouth College sophomore and defensive end Anthony Cikauskas has been racking up the accolades this week with his impressive performance against the Ripon Redhawks in the Scot’s 45-3 win in their conference matchup on Saturday. This week, Cikauskas was named Midwest Conference Defensive Performer of the week, as well as the D3Football Team of the Week Defensive End selection. At Ripon, Cikauskas had 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He led the Scots with six total tackles, four solo, and helped limit Ripon to 55 total yards of offense. Ripon managed only three rushing yards on 24 attempts and Cikauskas forced a fumble, while adding three quarterback hurries. Cikauskas set a new career and season high with the 4.5 TFL, surpassing his tally of 3.5 at Illinois College in September. During the season he’s had 39 tackles, 16.5 TFL and 11 sacks.
“Compared to last year, I was just learning college football and the team. This year, I feel like I have a better feel of the team and the coaches overall. The support from my teammates and coaches makes me want to work that much harder,” said Cikauskas. “As great as the win on Saturday was, myself and the team are more focused and ready for a great game against the Foresters.” The sophomore has added five QB hurries, two pass breakups, three forced fumbles and one blocked kick. He leads the team in TFL and sacks while ranking third in total tackles. His 11 sacks are tied for sixth on Monmouth's single-season list and his 16.5 TFL ranks 10th. Cikauskas ranks first in the MWC in sacks and fourth in all of the NCAA for Division III players. Cikauskas also ranks second in the MWC and is tied for eighth in the NCAA with 16.5 TFL. The Scots will host Lake Forest College on Saturday, November 4th, at April Zorn Stadium at 1 pm.