Photo Credit: Oregon State University archives

Paul Saunders

Linebacker / End

Oregon Thunderbolts

The 1991 NWFL season was as tight as any in recent memory, where defenses led the way.  The Oregon Thunderbolts used a star-studded defense of former collegians that included Oregon State alumns David Brannon and Saunders, Oregon Duck Bjarne Jensen and Linfield defensive back Todd Wolf.  Pellom McDaniels, a defensive lineman with the T-Bolts in 1990 from Oregon State, played with Birmingham of the World League and in training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1991.  The offense was no slouch for college talent.

With the Pierce County Bengals, Federal Way Jets and Eugene Blast offering up weekly challenges for the title, a star linebacker was necessary, and Saunders fit the bill.  A three-year letterwinner at Oregon State and 1985 Inspirational Award winner, Paul led the way in tight games including the NWFL Championship against the Pierce County Bengals.  One-point separated the winners from the losers in the 17-16 title game.  Saunders would earn All-NWFL accolades as well as the Thunderbolts MVP award for his play in all facets of the Thunderbolts games.

In a season where standouts like Federal Way's Dave Hewitt led all receivers with 21 receptions for 539 yards and 7 TDs, it is easy to see why defenders led the way in all-star balloting in 1991.  Paul Saunders led the way for the T-bolts to win one of the most competitive seasons for close games in NWFL history.