SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 28, 2026) – Two members of the Western New England football team have earned honors as Golden Bear Athletes of the Week, helping lead the Golden Bears on offense to a 28-21 victory over the University of New England. 

Kevin Acosta played a big part in the win for WNE, coming away with six catches, a career high as a Golden Bear, while also coming away with 82 yards, also a career high, and scoring a touchdown. Acosta now has 12 total catches this season, half in last week's win, totaling 223 yards, and has picked up a touchdown in three of Western New England's four games this season. The WNE senior is averaging over 18 yards per catch and over 55 yards per game.

Matthew McGuire took the bulk of the carries for the Golden Bears this past week, rushing 17 times for 76 yards, both season highs, while scoring his third rushing touchdown of the season, one shy of a career high of four set last season. McGuire has rushed 37 times for 160 yards so far this season, averaging 40 yards per game and over four yards per carry. 

The Western New England football team will look to remain unbeaten in Conference of New England action this coming Saturday, October 3, when they trek to Bangor, Maine, for a contest at Husson University, set for 1:00 PM.