Giorgi, McDonald Pick Up Ivy League Weekly Honors
10/7/2024 12:00:00 PM | Football
The duo helped the Lions take down Princeton Saturday
PRINCETON, N.J. — Columbia football's Joey Giorgi and Hayden McDonald earned Ivy League Weekly honors after helping the Lions top Princeton Saturday to start Ivy League play. Giorgi was tabbed Offensive Player of the Week, while McDonald took Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Giorgi erupted for 157 yards on 18 carries for his fourth career 100-yard rushing game. He broke off a long of 40 yards to set up a third-quarter touchdown and averaged 8.7 yards per carry. His effective running allowed the Lions to hold the ball for 38:17 in the win. The Grafton, Wisconsin, native moved up to No. 5 on Columbia's all-time rushing list with 1,547 career yards.
McDonald came up with two interceptions in the first half, which led to six points in a tightly contested first half. He also led the defense with seven tackles on the day and helped the Lions limit Princeton to 164 yards passing on the day. His second pick prevented Princeton from scoring in the red zone on fourth down. The product of Seattle is the first Lion to earn Defensive Player of the Week honors since Scott Valentas on November 14, 2022.
The Lions will wrap up non-conference play next Saturday, October 12, when they face Wagner on Staten Island. Kickoff is set for noon on NEC Front Row.
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
