Ford Selected 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 named Northwest Conference Football Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in the Bearcats' 28-3 victory over Menlo College on Saturday, Nov. 15. Ford recorded a total of seven tackles as the WU defense limited the Oaks to one field goal and 226 total yards.

Willamette finished the regular season with a 10-0 overall record, including an undisputed NWC Championship at 6-0. The Bearcats have qualified for the NCAA Division III Playoffs as the #1 seed in the West Region and will host Occidental College in the first on Saturday, Nov. 22 at McCulloch Stadium. Game time is set for 12 p.m. (PST).

Ford registered 4.5 tackles for losses of 36 yards against the Oaks, including 3.5 quarterback sacks for 28 yards lost. He also earned one quarterback hurry. He led WU's defensive efforts, especially in the second half, when the 'Cats held Menlo to 78 total yards.

For the season, Ford leads Willamette with 11.5 tackles for losses and 7.0 quarterback sacks. He ranks fifth on the squad in total tackles with 40, including 25 solo stops.

The Bearcats allowed opponents just 17.0 points per game during the regular season. WU forced 27 turnovers on 11 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries.