RFC Summer Semester: Northwest Conference (NWC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back:  Linfield had yet another banner season in 2012, with the Wildcats claiming their fourth straight Northwest Conference (NWC) title.  They advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs, losing to Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 31-24.

Looking ahead: Expect the rest of the NWC to chase Linfield, as the Wildcats will be shooting for their fifth straight conference title in 2013.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Linfield (11-1):  In addition to their "drive for five", as in winning their fifth straight NWC crown, the Wildcats will also look to extend one of the longest running streaks in all of sports: a college football record 58th straight winning season.

2. Willamette (8-2):  With two USA Football Network Preseason All-Americans, quarterback Josh Dean, and cornerback Tyson Giza, both returning for their respective senior seasons, expect the Bearcats to have a say who might topple the Wildcats for bragging rights in the NWC this season.

3. Pacific Lutheran (7-3):  Coming off of their first postseason appearance since 2001, which ironically, ended with a tough 27-24 loss to NWC rival Linfield in the first round of the D-III playoffs, the Lutes hope to build on the success they achieved in 2012, and allow that to carry over into 2013.

4. Whitworth (7-3):  With five teams that posted winning records in 2012 (St. Scholastica [8-3], Chapman [6-3], Willamette [8-2], Linfield [11-1], and Pacific Lutheran [7-3]) on the 2013 schedule, the Pirates have a lot of work to do if they're to post back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2006 (11-1), 2007 (8-2), and 2008 (6-3).

5. Lewis and Clark (4-5):  After stumbling to a 1-5 mark in NWC action last season, the Pioneers hope to bounce back, and post their second winning season in three years this season.

6. Pacific (Ore.)--(3-6):  With 23 returning starters, the Boxers hope to crash the NWC party, and the upper half of the conference standings in 2013.

7. Puget Sound (0-9):  Coming off of their third winless season in four years, there's only one way for the Loggers in 2013: up.

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