Week 13: Josh Pitsenberger, Yale

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photo courtesy yale athletics

Yale University running back Josh Pitsenberger, who played at the Avalon School in Wheaton, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Washington Metro College Football Player of the Week after another standout performance lifted the Bulldogs to a share of the Ivy League title and a berth in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Pitsenberger, a senior and team captain, rushed a career-high 38 times for 143 yards and three touchdowns as Yale beat previously undefeated Harvard, 45-28, in the regular season finale for both teams.

It was Pitsenberger’s fifth consecutive game rushing for at least 100 yards and the eighth time this season he eclipsed that mark.

The victory moved Yale (8-2, 6-1 Ivy League) into a tie with Harvard (9-1, 6-1) for first place in the Ivy League. By virtue of its head-to-head victory, Yale received the Ivy’s automatic berth into the FCS playoffs. This is the first year that the Ivy League is allowing its teams to participate in the FCS playoffs. (Harvard received an at-large berth as well.)

Pitsenberger has played a large role in Yale’s success during his collegiate career. He was the Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2022 and aside from an injury-shortened 2023 season, has been one of the Bulldogs’ best offensive players the past four seasons.

“He has earned the respect of his teammates through his play, hard work, and commitment to Yale football on and off the field,” Yale Coach Tony Reno said after Pitsenberger was selected as a team captain for this season.

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Washington Metro College Football Player of the Week honor roll:

  • Ohio RB Sieh Bangura (DeMatha) rushed 27 times for a career-high 196 yards and two touchdowns as the Bobcats beat Massachusetts, 42-14.

  • Rhode Island RB Antwain Littleton Jr. (St. John’s) rushed 19 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns and caught four passes for 22 yards as the Rams beat Hampton, 38-10.

  • Howard RB Anthony Reagan Jr. rushed 16 times for 113 yards and two touchdowns and caught four passes for 49 yards and another score as the Bison beat Norfolk State, 44-15.

  • Albany QB Jack Shields (Centreville) completed 18 of 25 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns as the Great Danes beat Monmouth, 31-24.

  • Notre Dame S Jalen Stroman (Patriot) made a career-high eight tackles and returned his first career interception 44 yards for a touchdown as the Fighting Irish beat Syracuse, 70-7.

  • Frostburg State DL Christian Taylor (St. John’s) made eight tackles with four sacks and forced a fumble as the Bobcats won their first-ever NCAA Division II playoff game, beating Johnson C. Smith, 21-7.

  • James Madison S Jacob Thomas (Stone Bridge) made eight tackles as the Dukes beat Washington State, 24-20.

  • Stony Brook WR Dez Williams (St. Mary’s Ryken) caught a season-high 10 passes for 117 yards as the Seawolves beat Bryant, 35-28.