TOWSON, Md. - Susquehanna University showcased its dominance in the 2024 Landmark Conference football awards, claiming three major honors. Quarterback Josh Ehrlich was named Offensive Player of the Year, while linebacker Garrett Carter earned Defensive Player of the Year recognition. Rahshan La Mons added to the River Hawks’ accolades by earning Rookie of the Year honors. Catholic University rounded out the major awards, with its coaching staff receiving Coaching Staff of the Year.
Offensive Player of the Year: Josh Ehrlich (Susquehanna University)
Defensive Player of the Year: Garrett Carter (Susquehanna University)
Rookie of the Year: Rahshan La Mons (Susquehanna University)
Coaching Staff of the Year: Catholic University
Sophomore quarterback Josh Ehrlich has delivered one of the best seasons in Susquehanna program history. Completing 163 of 232 passes, Ehrlich has thrown for 2,403 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Adding to his dual-threat capabilities, he has rushed for 453 yards on 80 attempts, scoring seven rushing touchdowns. A three-time Landmark Conference Offensive Athlete of the Week this season, Ehrlich ranks third in the league in passing yards while leading the conference in total offense.
Senior linebacker Garrett Carter has been a force on defense for Susquehanna University this season, recording 69 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks—numbers that rank him among the top 10 defenders in the Landmark Conference. Carter, who is tied for sixth all-time in program history with 11 career sacks, set the tone early by earning Landmark Conference Defensive Athlete of the Week honors in the season opener after posting eight tackles (four solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack to lead the River Hawks' defense.
First-year running back Rahshan La Mons made an immediate impact for Susquehanna this season, leading the Landmark Conference in punt returns with 11 returns for 360 yards and three touchdowns, which earned him the Landmark Conference Offensive Athlete of the Week award. La Mons also excelled offensively, rushing for 1,156 yards and 14 touchdowns on 145 attempts, while adding 337 receiving yards on 27 receptions. His 1,757 all-purpose yards this season rank second in program history. Highlighting his versatility, La Mons recorded 217 all-purpose yards in a single game.
The Catholic University coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Gutelius and assisted by Jonathan Rutledge, Brandon Beech, Matt Vogel, George Coles, Blake Chamlee, Yvesner Ferdinand, Lamaar Thomas, Nick Austell, Noah Miller, TyRonne Turner, Joey Chupella, Huey Bodger, Kyle Egan, and Preston Jeffrey, guided the Cardinals to a .500 season. Prior to the opening of fall camp, Catholic football coach Mike Gutelius suffered a seizure and was rushed to the hospital. After many tests and doctor visits, Gut was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a serious type of brain cancer.
Gutelius underwent multiple brain surgeries and continues to undergo treatment weekly. Throughout the season, despite needing to travel to Duke University for treatments over six weeks, Gutelius made it to the sideline or into the coaches' box for all but three of the team’s games in 2024.
Amidst all of this, thanks to the leadership of Associate Head Coach Jonathan Rutledge and Assistant Head Coach Brandon Beech, Catholic fought its way to a fourth consecutive season with a record of .500 or better, winning three of its last four contests to finish the season 5-5 and 3-3 in Landmark Conference play.
For more information on Glioblastoma, you can visit the following resources: