Courtesy Framingham State Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Framingham State University freshman quarterback Matt Silva (Dracut, Mass.) received the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston College Division Gold Helmet award this morning at the New England Football Writers’ (NEFW) weekly luncheon at Harvard University’s Dillon Field House.  Silva was honored at the luncheon along with University Division winner University of New Hampshire wide receiver Joey Orlando.   

Silva is the Rams third Gold Helmet winner during head coach Tom Kelley’s reign.  He joins quarterback Bruce Rich and running back Dave Leach who earned the honors in 2008 and 2009 respectively. The Gold Helmet is presented weekly throughout the season to a deserving player from the university division (I FCS) and college division (II & III).

Silva, who was making his first collegiate start last Friday night against Nichols College, was named the New England Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Saturday as he accounted for six Ram touchdowns, five passing and one rushing, in a 54-13 victory.  He completed 14 of 14 pass attempts with five touchdowns and no interceptions for 234 yards in just one half of action. With his five touchdown passes Silva now shares the single game touchdown pass record with three former Rams.  Silva completed touchdown passes of 24 yards, 5 yards, 15 yards, 10 yards and 69 yards.  He rushed for 58 yards on five carries and scored the Rams first touchdown of the game on a 13-yard scramble in the first quarter.  In addition Silva handled the kicking duties for most of the game as he was 6-of-7 kicking extra points.