Football | 10/24/2012 3:08:00 PM

FOOTBALL - AZUSA PACIFIC AT WESTERN OREGON
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 – 1:00 p.m. – Monmouth, Ore.

TICKETS: https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?w=623384eb468d36ec2c6276495632ff0b&t=tix
LIVE VIDEO: WOU TV (Stretch Internet)
LIVE AUDIO: WOU TV (Stretch Internet)
LIVE STATS: http://athletics.wou.edu/live/xlive.htm

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon football team looks for its sixth win a row as the Wolves return home to host Azusa Pacific at McArthur Field on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 1;00 p.m. Tickets to the important contest can be purchased through the WOU ticket office online or by calling 503-838-8051. Prices for the game range from $10 to $15.

“We've worked our way into a position to where we now control our own destiny when it comes to the conference title,” head coach Arne Ferguson said. “It all starts with the game against Azusa Pacific and they are playing really good football right now. They had a big win against Central Washington last week and we know we will have to be at our best to come away with a victory.”

WOU enters the contest with a mark of 5-3 overall and in a three-way tie for first-place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings with a 5-2 league mark. Last week, the Wolves defeated Simon Fraser, 20-17, as WOU overcame six turnovers to sweep the season series from the Clan.

WOU sealed the victory when Gustave Benthin blocked an 18-yard field goal with six minutes remaining as the defensive lineman earned GNAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his effort.

The Wolves defense continues its solid play heading into the game with the Cougars as WOU has not allowed an opponent to score more than 25 points since the season-opening loss to Grand Valley State. The Wolves rank second in the conference and No. 41 in the nation, allowing only 20.88 points per game. WOU's rushing defense has been especially stingy as the Wolves lead the league and rank No. 27 in the country allowing only 111.6 yards per game.

Individually, Bryce Peila leads the league and ranks 11th in the nation with five interceptions while leading the team with 7.50 tackles per game. Kraig Akins has also played well on the defensive side of the ball, posting 4.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss to lead the Wolves.

Offensively, Cody VonAppen continues to lead the Wolves attack as he ranks second in the conference and No. 57 nationally at 252 yards per game. The senior signal-caller was injured in the game against Simon Fraser and will be a game-time decision for the Wolves this week.

WOU currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring offense at 26.50 points per game as the Wolves are averaging 387.9 yards per game on that side of the ball.

APU enters the league contest with a mark of 1-7 on the season as the Cougars picked up their first league win with a 24-17 victory over CWU last week. The Cougars rank sixth in the league in scoring offense at 16.5 points per game as the defense stands in fifth in the conference, allowing 34.4 points per game.

Running back Terrell Watson leads the APU attack as he ranks fourth in the league with 83.2 yards rushing per game.

WOU leads the all-time series, 4-1, as the Wolves captured a 20-7 over the Cougars earlier this season.