By: Burke De Boer Sports Editor
Western’s football team put on a show in Monmouth as the Wolves hosted Simon Fraser on Oct. 8. The Wolves won 33-7, improving to 3-3 on the season. Nick Duckworth connected with wideout Paul Revis to set new school records for single-game passing yards and receptions.
The opening three possessions kept the game scoreless as the Wolves looked to get their feet under them. A 27-yard touchdown pass to Revis from starting quarterback Philip Fenumiai opened the scoring at the end of the first quarter.
But the day under center would belong to junior Nick Duckworth, who took over in the second quarter and went on to complete 26 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to Revis, Duckworth found reliable targets in junior wideout Zack Suarez, who put up 42 yards and a touchdown, and senior tight end Andy Avgi who proved a particular threat in the red zone. The Woodburn native caught two touchdowns.
“It felt good being back after being out two weeks. I thought it was a great home win for us to get back on track with Central coming up next week,” Duckworth said.
Duckworth also threw a pair of interceptions, but didn’t let them shake his focus, “I just tried to come back on the next drive and get an early completion to get my mind off the last throw.”
He finished the day with a 91.5 passer rating.
The new records belonging to Revis are 17 receptions in a game and 250 receiving yards.
“I was just trying to get open and create opportunity,” Revis said after the game. He’s less focused on the records, being more concerned with the season to come. “I was fortunate to get the ball thrown my way and make things happen. Hoping to build off the momentum to continue for the rest of our season. Getting a record is a huge honor and couldn’t happen without the play of the rest of my teammates. This is something I’ll enjoy more down the road.”
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Tyler Johnson had two sacks and an interception as part of the effort that kept SFU to one score.
Revis and Johnson were named the GNAC offensive and defensive players of the week for their impressive performances.
The Wolves are on the road this week, taking on Central Washington. Next week they host Humboldt State for homecoming on Oct. 22. They beat Humboldt in their first meeting earlier this year.
Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu
