Western Oregon Journal

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Things are definitely looking up for the Western football squad.

After a dismal 1-9 campaign a year ago, the Wolves have already surpassed last season's win total and evened their record to 2-2 with a 24-10 victory over Southern Oregon University on Sept. 24 in Ashland.

Junior Eliot Vinzant, a transfer from Portland State University, rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns in the win. The Wolves and Raiders were knotted at 7-7 at halftime, but Western forged ahead for good when Vinzant scored from four yards out with 4:18 left in the third quarter. Senior linebacker Jon Apgar led the Wolves on defense with 13 tackles.

Western started out the season on the right foot, avenging a loss from last season. A year ago the Willamette Bearcats beat the Wolves by a 48-35 margin. However, on Sept. 3, Western turned the tables and shut out Willamette at home by a score of 35-0.

On Sept. 10 the Wolves dropped a 49-7 loss to the NCAA Division III defending national champion Linfield Wildcats. The following week, Western traveled to NCAA Division I opponent Eastern Washington and lost 48-7.

Returners looking to lead the Wolves to a resurgence include tight end Kevin Boss and offensive lineman Ryan Belcher, both juniors, and senior defensive back Bret Hughes. All three athletes were First Team All-GNAC selections last year. Brothers Ryan and Mark Thorson of Sandy will guide the Wolves at quarterback, replacing the graduated Denny Bies.

The Wolves begin the Great Northwest Athletic Conference portion of their season this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 1. They take on Central Washington at 4 p.m. at McArthur Field for Family Weekend.

Western is also scheduled to play NCAA Division III Puget Sound on Nov. 12, a game that was added mid-season after Lewis and Clark College dropped its conference schedule due to low roster numbers. That loss left the Loggers looking for additional games. The game is schedule for 1 p.m., but will be canceled if Western makes the playoffs.

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