Goworowski Named PFL Defensive Player of the Week

Goworowski Named PFL Defensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso University football fifth-year senior defensive lineman Alex Goworowski (Chicago, Ill. / Saint Patrick) was named the Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Week on Sunday after playing a crucial role in Saturday’s 24-7 victory over Presbyterian at Brown Field.

Goworowski had the biggest game of his career, helping the Beacons hold a Presbyterian team that had scored 38 points or more in three straight games to seven points. His team-high and career-high 11 tackles helped Valpo capture its third win in the last four games while holding a PFL opponent scoreless in the second half in each of those three victories. In fact, opponents have scored a grand total of zero points in the second half in Valpo’s four wins this season.

Goworowski had 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack, plus he was in on a stop for no gain on a 3rd-and-1 play. The sack came in the red zone on 3rd-and-10 from the Valpo 15 right before PC would turn the ball over on downs. His other TFL also came on third down.

In addition, Goworowski blocked a punt after Presbyterian went three-and-out on the first drive of the game. His block allowed Valpo to start its first offensive possession at the PC 15, setting up an early touchdown and setting the tone for the game. The Beacons blocked two punts in the win, moving into the Division-I national lead in both blocked kicks (7, tied with Marist) and blocked punts (5, outright).

Valpo has earned four PFL weekly awards this season, as Goworowski joins Mark Johnson as a PFL Defensive Player of the week honoree, while Chris Gundy has twice earned PFL Special Teams Player of the Week accolades. The Beacons (4-4, 3-2 PFL) are off this week before returning to action on Nov. 7 at Dayton.