Eureka’s Mason Diederich Selected Second Team All-NACC

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – For the third time, Eureka's Mason Diederich (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been selected to the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Second Team.

Diederich, a senior linebacker for the Red Devils, racked up 42 total tackles in eight games this season, including 23 solo efforts and 19 assists. He contributed 1/2 sack, made one fumble recovery and recorded one blocked field goal, which resulted in an EC touchdown. He tallied a season-high 13 total tackles in his final collegiate game at McKinzie Field on Nov. 6.

Diederich was also a Second Team All-NACC selection in 2018 and 2019.

In addition to Diederich, fellow linebacker Amari Smith (Chicago, Ill./Hillcrest), running back Ben Bernabei (Peru, Ill./St. Bede Academy), wide receiver Pierce Bradford (Decatur, Ill./Argenta-Oreana), wide receiver Sebastian Hill (Pekin, Ill./Pekin) and offensive lineman Corbin Heiken (El Paso, Ill./El Paso-Gridley) all received All-NACC Honorable Mention.

Smith, a senior, recorded 40 total tackles in 10 games this season, notching 25 solo efforts and 15 assists, along with three tackles for loss and one sack, two fumble recoveries and a blocked extra point.

Bernabei, a junior, was the Red Devils' starting fullback for most of the season. Then, injuries piled up, he became the team's primary tail back. He finished the year with 253 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 52 carries, along with seven receptions for 38 yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Bradford, a senior who plans to return next year due to the COVID-19 season, was the Red Devils' leading receiver. He posted nine touchdowns and 708 yards on 44 receptions. Hill, a freshman, wasn't far behind him, totaling seven touchdowns and 599 receiving yards on 40 receptions.

Heiken, the Red Devils' four-year starting center, continued to be the anchor of the maroon and gold's offensive line, starting every game. It was his second time receiving All-NACC recognition.