By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University defensive end Keaton Adams (Sr., Colorado Springs, CO/Doherty HS) was named the Northwest Conference Football Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his performance in the Bearcats' 48-35 win in the season opener against Puget Sound on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Adams led the Bearcats with a game-high eight tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 quarterback sacks (21 yards). He returned a fumble recovery 41 yards for a touchdown. His return stretched the lead to 35-14 at the start of the fourth quarter, and he later added a solo sack and assisted on another to close out a great defensive effort. 

Adams anchored a Bearcat defense that held the Loggers to just seven points in the first half and finished the day with three interceptions, three sacks, and two forced turnovers on 3-of-5 fourth-down conversion attempts by Puget Sound.

The Bearcats are currently 1-0 on the season and return to action at home on Saturday, Sept. 18, hosting Lincoln University (Calif.) at McCulloch Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. (PDT).