Ward was also named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division Defensive Player of the Week after his performance Saturday night against Clarion.
Ward was spectacular on the defensive side of the ball, leading Gannon to a 31-24 victory in its 2008 home opener. The senior defensive lineman spent the majority of his time in the Clarion backfield, recording 4.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Both marks were career-highs. He led both teams with nine total tackles.
The Brockport, N.Y., native led a defense that held Clarion to 39 rushing yards. It was the lowest rushing total by a Gannon opponent since Wayne State had 19 rushing yards on October 30, 2004. The defensive unit also ended the game by stopping the Clarion offense on two consecutive possessions that moved inside the Gannon 30-yard line.
Ward leads Gannon in solo tackles (19), assisted tackles (18), total tackles (37) and tackles for a loss (7.0) this season. He ranks third among PSAC players in tackles for a loss per game (1.40), 11th in sacks per game (0.40), and 16th in tackles per game (7.4).
