HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Pacific Lutheran University football team was generating points on defense and special teams on Saturday so it's no surprise two Lutes where named Northwest Conference Players of the Week on Monday. Jackson Hale was tabbed the NWC Defensive Player of the Week while Brock Kinch nabbed NWC Special Teams Player of the Week accolades. 

The Lutes (5-4, 4-2 NWC) outclassed host Lewis & Clark College 46-36 on Saturday in all three phases of the game, getting two touchdowns on special teams and a touchdown and a safety from the defense. 24 of PLU's first 30 points came either from defense or the special teams unit. 

Hale secures NWC Defensive Player of the Week after finishing the game with seven tackles, a quarterback hurry, and a pick six. The Mead, Washington native intercepted a Pioneer pass and ran it back 40 yards for a touchdown with 5:09 left in the second quarter, putting the Lutes up 30-7. It was Hale's first career interception.

Kinch lands NWC Special Teams Player of the Week after blocking the opening punt of the game and returning the loose ball 40-yards for a touchdown. It was one of two special teams scores in the first half with Connor Meade running a punt back 62 yards for a touchdown to open the second quarter. 
 
Seven Lutes have now earned NWC Player of the Week this fall. Anthony Mahaffey (offensive) and Zachary Gable (defensive) were recognized on Oct. 20 along with Jacob Schuh (offensive) on Oct. 13, Cole Becker (defensive) on Oct. 6, and Connor Meade (special teams) on Sept. 15. 
 
Pacific Lutheran finishes off the season on Saturday, hosting George Fox University at 1 p.m. at Sparks Stadium.