Tensions ran high on Saturday Oct. 2 as Puget Sounded hosted cross town rivals the Pacific Lutheran Lutes. The Loggers battled for victory and although the game ended in a loss, it is one for the record books.
The stadium was at capacity. A sea of maroon and white and gold and black provided for an exciting atmosphere as the Loggers and Lutes exchanged leads in the 60 minute of game play.
“As far as our fans go, we could not have better, more vocal fans. It is extremely exciting to see many different groups on campus at the games. I can remember seeing members of several teams (Women’s Basketball dressed in game jerseys), Greek Life and the general student body at the game being loud.We tell our players often that we have the best home field advantage in the conference,” head coach Jeff Thomas said.
The Loggers earned the first touchdown of the game. Cory Dunn picked off a pass on the first play of scrimmage giving the Loggers possession. Duncan White found Adam Kniffin on a fade route to give the Loggers a 7-0 lead. The Lutes tied the game in the second quarter.
The Loggers retaliated quickly. White and Kniffin found each other once again to earn the Loggers a 14-7 lead. The Lutes responded by marching down the field and earning another TD before halftime. A bad snap on the extra point was run for the two-point conversion for a 15-14 Lute lead at half time.
A 43-yard pass to Lukas Diesing during the 3rd quarter allowed for the Loggers to strike again giving team the lead, 21-15. The Lutes did not back down. A 44-yard run from Lute Alec Simmons gave Lutes the lead, 22-21.
PLU found another TD opportunity however, the Loggers reacted beautifully. Demarkus Millner pushed his way through the lone to block the extra point allowing the Loggers to remain within striking range, 28-21.
White found John Duncan in the final 21 seconds of the game on third-and-goal for a touchdown. The extra point tied up the game, 28-28.
For the second consecutive week, Logger hopes were dashed in the final seconds of the game. With one second remaining on the clock, the Lutes were able to nail a 49-yard field goal for a final score of 31-28.
One second made the difference for the Loggers. However, the excitement of the game was never ending. It was a tragic loss, but the game will forever be considered a classic. This game is proof that the Loggers have improved immensely from the past seasons.
“Despite the losses we will still wake up on Mondays and Thursdays to lift at 6am and practice harder each week to never have the feeling of last Saturday happen again,” sophomore Myles McDonald (Vancouver, Wash./Prairie) said.
The Loggers will have the home field advantage this Saturday as they host nationally ranked Linfield for Homecoming Weekend.