BOWIE, MD -- Bowie State had eight players named to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football All-Conference Team.
Justin Zavala gave the Bulldogs two spots on the all-conference team, as he earned honor as both punter and place kicker.
The Bulldogs had two members of the All-CIAA First Team, as offensive lineman
Kaleb Chester and defensive back
Devin Williams were each named to the squad. It is the first time for both Chester and Williams as first team honorees.
The All-CIAA Second Team honorees included Zavala at punter and place kicker while defensive lineman
Shawan Lewis and defensive backs
Hasan Mosley and
Jadon Carter rounded the Bulldogs appearances on the list. Making the All-CIAA Rookie Team were quarterback
Jordan Morse and defensive back
Malcolm Sesay.
Chester represented just one of the anchors for the offensive line unit that blocked for the sixth ranking team in scoring, averaging 21.4 points per game. Behind its line, Bowie State pushed for fourth in passing with an average of 191.0 per game and a total of 1,910 yards.
Williams elevated his game at defensive back this season, earning 11 breakups and three interceptions for second in the CIAA. His best game came against Elizabeth City State where he recorded four tackles, an interception and four breakups.
Zavala accounted for 2,186 yards and 56 punts in 2023 for a conference second-best. The Bowie, Md., native also led the CIAA in punts +50 with seven on the year, including a long of 75 yards.
Lewis had a true breakout season in 2023, leading the CIAA in sacks with 8.5 on the year for 61 yards. The Baltimore, Md., native led Bowie State in tackles this season with 45 on the year to go along with team-high 13.0 tackle for loss (74-yards) and five quarterback pressures. His best game was also against Elizabeth City State where he racked up seven tackles, 2.5 tackle for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Along with Williams, Mosley and Carter were both key defenders in the Bulldogs secondary this season. Mosley led Bowie State in total interceptions this season with four on the year which was a fourth-best in the CIAA. The Washington, D.C., native combined for 38 tackles, 2.5 tackle for loss, four breakups and forced fumble through 10 games.
Meanwhile, Carter earns his second all-conference nod in 2023 after recording 18 tackles, eight breakups (second-best on team), a fumble recovery and three interceptions as well. The Bryans Road, Md., native was voted the CIAA Defensive Back of the Week after Week 7's performance where he recorded a pick six for 36-yards against Bluefield State.
Morse and Sesay started shining later in the season and it couldn't have been at a better time as Morse got his first start during Week 7 at Bluefield State where he led the Bulldogs to a 40-11 win. Morse led all Bulldog rushers with 60 yards and two touchdowns in the contest, picking up six yards per carry. He completed 13 passes for 177 yards during his debut. That contest also served as Sesay's first career interception as he finished with two tackles and the pick for a yard that sealed any chance of B-State scoring again. A native of Bowie, Md., Sesay appeared in all 10 games, tacking on nine tackles, two interceptions and a pair of passes defended. As for Morse, he continued to shine after his first career start, producing five touchdowns on 29-of-52 passes and 382 yards the last two games of the regular season. His best game was Week 10 where he achieved game career highs in completions (19) passing yards (277), passing touchdowns (3), rushing yards (66), and rushing touchdowns (2). He has started the last three games, all wins for the Bulldogs and was named the CIAA Quarterback and Rookie of the Week.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.
