ONEONTA, N.Y. – Sophomore linebacker Billy O'Connor (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Ballston Spa) of the Hartwick football team was named the Empire Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Nov. 1. This is O'Connor's second weekly honor of the 2026 season.

O'Connor led a tremendous defensive effort for the Hawks over the weekend, as Hartwick defeated Morrisville 17-14 on the road. O'Connor contributed six total tackles, with three of those being sacks and four of those being for loss, totaling 40 yards. He also forced a fumble as the Hawks' defense came up big late, stopping the Mustangs three times at the goal line as time expired to pick up the E8 win. 

The Hartwick football team is 2-6 this season and 1-5 in Empire 8 play and host #22 Utica for Senior Day this weekend, Sat. Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.