POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Sophomore safety Zach Adler (Walden, N.Y.) of the Marist football team was named Pioneer Football League (PFL) Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Red Foxes' 44-7 triumph at Valparaiso on Saturday.

Adler had two interceptions and led the Red Foxes with nine tackles in the contest. He became the second player in the PFL to have a multi-interception game this season. Five of his tackles were solo stops. Adler had eight of his tackles in the first half, which helped Marist build a 30-0 halftime advantage.

Adler's first interception stopped Valparaiso's first drive of the game, and came at the Marist five-yard line. It proved to be an early momentum-changer, as three plays later, junior quarterback Chuckie Looney (Ocala, Fla.) hit senior wide receiver Michael Rios (Miami, Fla.) for a 97-yard touchdown - the longest play from scrimmage in program history. His second interception came at the Marist four-yard line with 46 seconds remaining in the first half. On the next play, sophomore running back Max Jacques (Salem, N.H.) broke free for a 96-yard touchdown run, which tied the longest run in school history.

Adler's two interceptions in Saturday's game gave him the team lead with three pickoffs on the season. He has also registered 32 tackles, two pass break-ups and a fumble recovery this year.

With the win at Valparaiso, Marist improved to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in PFL play. The Red Foxes will return to action Saturday, when they host San Diego at Tenney Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale at GoRedFoxes.com, and for further information, contact the Marist Ticket Office at (845) 575-3553.

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