Pirates hope to stay on track for title with win

There are no shortages of offensive systems in the Northwest Conference. From pass-happy Linfield to Puget Sound’s Wing T to Pacific Lutheran’s endless formations, NWC defensive coordinators face unique tests week to week.

Today, the Whitworth Pirates must deal with Willamette’s ‘Fly’ offense, which involves sending a receiver in motion across the formation for a handoff or a fake. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. in Salem, Ore.

“It’s basically a cross between the Wing T and the Fly, a lot of misdirection, crossbucks,” said Pirates defensive coordinator Kirk Westre, who described his weekly duties as “a challenge, without a doubt, but an exciting challenge because the kids have a different kind of focus and strategy. It’s stimulating in that regard.”

Both teams carry NWC title hopes. Whitworth (5-2, 3-0 NWC) can win its second straight outright championship if it wins its last three games. Willamette (3-4, 2-1) and Linfield (4-2, 2-1), which visits the Pine Bowl next Saturday, can earn no worse than a share of the title by winning out.

“It’s an opportunity for Willamette and for us,” said head coach John Tully, whose team welcomed the return of ex-Pirate Michael Allan, a member of Kansas City’s practice squad who spoke to the players earlier this week. Allan returned to the area during the Chiefs’ bye week.

Willamette, which knocked off Linfield 33-32 in September, ranks second in the NWC in rushing (214.6) behind Whitworth (258.9).

The Pirates rank first in the conference and 12th nationally in rush defense (65.7).

Whitworth had several players banged up in what Tully described as a “hard-hitting” 38-34 loss to Azusa Pacific. Defensive tackle Brandon Martin, who missed nearly the entire game, might play today. It was initially feared Martin had suffered an injury to his spleen, but tests showed no serious problems, Tully said.

“We’re not hitting much at all in practice,” Tully said. “We’re just having a lot of reps and review and that’s what we need at this point.”