HENNIKER, N.H. - Sophomore Spencer Brien (Plaistow, N.H.) of the New England College football team was named the Conference of New England (CNE) Special Teams Player of the Week for the week ending on October 25th. 

Brien delivered a game-changing play in the third quarter of the Pilgrims' win over Maine Maritime Academy, returning a Mariner kickoff 81-yards for a touchdown – the longest kickoff and first kick return touchdown in program history. 

The special teams' score came just after MMA tied the game up at 7-7 and gave NEC a 14-7 lead early in the second half. They would go on to win the game, 17-14, to earn their second win of the season. Brien's kick return touchdown played a huge role in the team's first conference win of the year. 

The sophomore from Plaistow, New Hampshire has been one of the top returners in the league this season, ranking third with 24.7 yards per kickoff return. His 81-yard touchdown was just the fourth kickoff return to find pay dirt this season in the CNE. 

Spencer and the 'Grims will now welcome the Golden Bears of Western New England University to town this coming Saturday, October 31st, for a 12:00 PM conference matchup right here in Henniker. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.