Ford Chosen NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior defensive end Marcus Ford (Marina, CA/Seaside HS/Monterey Peninsula College) has been selected Northwest Conference Football Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Pacific Lutheran University on Saturday, Oct. 18. Willamette defeated PLU, 45-18, to improve to 7-0 on the season, 3-0 in the NWC.

Ford helped Willamette hold the Lutes to 223 total yards. The Bearcats limited PLU to just 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Ford recorded six total tackles during the game, with three on unassisted stops. He had 1.5 tackles for losses, including one quarterback sack for a seven-yard loss. Four of his six tackles were on plays that gained one yard or less (4, 0, -7, -1, 6, 1).

For the season, Ford has achieved 22 tackles, including 15 unassisted tackles. The Bearcats have allowed opponents only 16.0 points per game and just 3.1 yards per running play.

Willamette, ranked #15 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and #16 in the D3Football.com Top 25, will take on arch rival Linfield College on Saturday, Oct. 25 in McMinnville, Ore. Linfield, 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the NWC, is ranked #23 by D3Football.com and #25 by the AFCA. Game time is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. (PDT).