Austin Pritchard News

A The final official event of the 2009 football season took place on Sunday night at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites as Western Michigan held the annual team banquet in downtown Kalamazoo.A The Bronco faithful said their final good-byes to the 17 seniors on this year's team.

Western Michigan football earned four second team nods and three third team nods on the 2009 All-Mid-American Conference team, announced by the league office recently.

WMU quarterback Tim Hiller, running back Brandon West, left tackle Anthony Parker and linebacker Austin Pritchard were all named All-MAC Second Team on Wednesday.

Austin Pritchard isn't a man of extra words. But in his final chance to speak as a Western Michigan football player, the senior linebacker did his best to make sure his class won't be remembered for this losing season.

WMU's Doug Wiggins knocks the ball loose from the grasp of Ball State's Torieal Gibson during the first quarter Tuesday at Waldo Stadium.

Fifth-year senior Matt Stevens gave a talk to his Western Michigan University football teammates this week.

WMU's Austin Pritchard, left, and David Lewis take down EMU's Alex Gillett during the first half of their matchup Saturday.

Numbers don't always tell the story. Sometimes, though, they do. Statistically, Western Michigan University's defense is among the worst in the nation, ranked 108th out of 120 Division I-A football teams, giving up 426 yards per game.

WMU's Bill Cubit , 67-42-1, 10 seasons; 33-24 at WMU, fifth season. Kent State's Doug Martin , 23-43, sixth season as a head coach.

Kevin Hogan, left, and Monte Simmons have wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks this season, leading a Kent State defense that's tallied a MAC-best 26 sacks.

The red pullovers are starting to pile up at Western Michigan University football practice.

Five Broncos earned a place on Phil Steele's Mid-Season All-Mid-American Conference Team.

Western Michigan University's football team was suddenly feeling good about itself and its chances after Juan Nunez's 18-yard touchdown catch on fourth-and-2 with 2:33 left before halftime.

Louis Delmas and Jamarko Simmons suffered through it. Now, Tim Hiller, Brandon West and Austin Pritchard know the feeling, too.

There is nothing like a good old-fashion Western shootout. At least, that's what Bronco fans will be hoping for when arch-rival Central Michigan invades Kalamazoo on Saturday.

The Western Michigan University football team has been hearing about this for weeks.

Northern Illinois quarterback Chandler Harnish has been efficient and accurate on the field this season for the Huskies.

There is defeat. And then there is Saturday. One of those days when the questions about Western Michigan University's football team go beyond its noted flaws in skill and reach a point that is much more dangerous.

Ponder replaces West on kickoffs Brandon West is already the Mid-American Conference's all-time leader in all-purpose yards.

The drive to Mid-American Conference glory will make a stop in DeKalb this week for the Western Michigan University football team.