Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Big Red Sports

A Western running back during Tuesday's drills. [Click to enlarge]

On Saturday Oct. 20, the Western Oregon football team regained some of their swagger lost in the previous week's drubbing by Central Washington. The unfortunate victim of the Wolves' wrath was their old foe Southern Oregon. The victory comes right before the team has two away games at Western Washington and Dixie State.

Trying to forget a demoralizing loss, the Wolves played like a team completely in control of the game. Despite an early score by the Raiders, the Wolves took control on the very next possession and never surrendered the lead again. Offensively, senior quarterback Mark Thorson led the Wolves with 253 yards and three touchdowns.

In the rushing game the Wolves were able to rack up 123 yards with the combined efforts of sophomores Ben Kuenzi, Tyler Wilson and
freshman DJ Jackson.

The Wolves' 376 total yards was their third largest, reminiscent of their 396 yards against Linfield and 388 against Willamette.

Southern Oregon's hopes of an upset were dashed by the number of turnovers. The Wolves'
defense came up with four interceptions and one forced fumble that ended a promising drive early in the first quarter. Senior linebacker Matt Buche led the Wolves with six solo tackles while senior defensive back Nick Smith had two of the Wolves'
interceptions.

After the loss to Central Washington, the Wolves were able to play turn-over-free football against Southern. The only miscues in this game were the 14 penalties committed by the Wolves for a total loss of 107 yards. In order for the Wolves to win out over Western Washington, Dixie State and Humboldt the Wolves must cut down on the penalties and continue the level of low mistake free football they achieved on Saturday. •

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