EASTON, Mass. (June 26, 2025) – Stonehill College Football head coach Ei Gardner is excited to announce rising seniors Faisal Mass (Taunton, Mass.) and Brigham Dunphy (Barrington, R.I.) as its captains ahead of the 2025 season.
 
Both Dunphy and Mass have donned the purple and white for the Skyhawks for the past three seasons, earning the title of captains for their senior campaign. The duo will be part of the first graduating class for the Skyhawks, who spent all four seasons at the Division I level as members of the NEC. The Skyhawks will also be eligible for the Football College Subdivision (FCS) playoffs for the first time this fall.
 
"I am very excited for both Brigham and Faisal to have earned this recognition from their teammates," said head coach Eli Gardner. "They have both embodied our cultural pillars of discipline, intellect, and grit throughout their time here at Stonehill, and this is a tremendous acknowledgment for them by their peers. Brigham is one of the hardest workers in our program and has an awesome approach to everything he does, on and off the field.  He is smart, tough, and a great teammate.  Similar to Brigham, Faisal has developed himself and his role to great heights during his time here. He is extremely mature and very well respected in our program. Our team did a tremendous job in selecting our captains for this season, but I know Brigham and Faisal would both agree that we have great leadership throughout this entire senior class. They will undoubtedly represent that and will do a great job of grabbing the shovel for us this season."
 
Dunphy, a wide receiver who has also seen his share of carries out of the backfield, has tallied 29 catches for 397 yards and a touchdown in 18 games throughout his career. He has also run the ball 13 times for 51 yards and has tallied three tackles. Dunphy led the team in receptions (26), receiving yards (325), and receiving yards per game (40.6) a season ago. He also ranked in the top five on the Skyhawks with 51 rushing yards.
 
It's a huge honor to have been named captain of this team," said Dunphy. "I am so grateful for all my teammates and coaches who have been by my side the past three years, and I can't wait to kick off the 2025 season. The team has been having a strong offseason, and I'm proud of the hard work we've been putting in. It's time to show it between the lines; we are ready to go."
 
Mass, a defensive end, has appeared in 22 games for the Skyhawks over the past three seasons, tallying 22 solo tackles and 20 assisted tackles, totaling 42, four of which have been for losses. Mass was ninth on the team and second among defensive linemen with 35 tackles last season. His three tackles for loss were tied for the fourth most on the Skyhawks. Mass recorded a pass deflection and a quarterback hit last season as well.
 
Being named a captain by my teammates and coaches means everything to me," said Mass. "It's more than just a title, it's a sign of trust, respect, and belief in who I am both on and off the field. I take that responsibility seriously and am fully committed to leading by example and doing whatever it takes to help us win the NEC!"
 
Stonehill football will open its 12-game 2025 season on August 30 in Fairfield, Conn., when the Skyhawks take on Sacred Heart University to begin their fourth Division I campaign. The first game at the comforts of W.B. Mason Stadium will be on Saturday, Sept. 6, with Lafayette College making the trip to Easton, Mass.
 
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