POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Red-shirt freshman linebacker James Kratochvil of the Marist football team was named Pioneer Football League Defensive Rookie of the Year on Monday.
 
Kratochvil led the Red Foxes in both tackles (55) and interceptions (four) this season. His four interceptions were tied for the most in the PFL.
 
Kratochvil intercepted passes on Stetson's first two drives in a 40-31 win over the Hatters on Nov. 9. The Red Foxes scored touchdowns following both of his interceptions. For that performance, Kratochvil earned Honorable Mention for Football Championship Subdivision Freshman of the Week.
 
Kratochvil's season high in tackles was nine, which came at Davidson. He had eight games with at least five tackles, six of which occurred in league play.
 
Kratochvil is the second Red Fox in program history to be named PFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, following the selection of Peter Delatour in 2016.
 
The announcement of this season's PFL awards continues on Tuesday with the All-PFL teams, and Wednesday with the Academic All-PFL teams.