Nov. 3, 2008

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University cornerback Kevin Jones has been named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for Oct. 26-Nov. 1.

Jones, a senior from Seattle (graduate of Kentwood High School), was credited with seven tackles, including a game-high six solos, forced and recovered a fumble and returned a pass interception 26 yards as the Vikings clinched second-place (5-2) in the league standings with a 20-14 win at Dixie State.

Jones' fumble recovery at the Dixie 31 set up a 47-yard field goal to give Western a 12-7 lead midway through the second quarter. His interception gave the Vikings the ball at the Dixie 32, and indirectly after an exchange of possessions put Western in position to post a safety.

The Viking defense held Dixie State scoreless in the second half.

Western, 5-4 overall, closes out its regular season this Saturday (12 noon) with a league counter at arch-rival and nationally No.8-ranked Central Washington (9-1), which already has clinched the GNAC title (7-0). It will be the 100th meeting between the two schools.