The Homecoming Weekend festivities were spoiled on Saturday by the Linfield Wildcats. The Loggers suffered a 55-14 loss on the gridiron at the hands of the Wildcats, falling to 1-4 on the season and 1-2 in Northwest Conference play. Linfield posted an astonishing 591 total yards of offense, including 330 yards on the ground.
The Wildcats posted the first 42 points of the game before the Loggers finally got on the board in the third quarter by way of an interception return.
Junior Justin Erickson (Eatonville, Wash.) picked off quarterback Cole Bixenman and proceeded to return the interception 80 yards for a touchdown. The interception return was the first for the Loggers in three seasons. Senior Taylor Firman (Kentlake, Wash.) also recorded an interception for the Loggers in the loss.
“It was a tough game, but nobody ever considered not playing their hardest,” said Erickson.
The Loggers’ persistence paid off when they eventually posted a second touchdown in the fourth quarter after a long drive led by junior George Ka’ai (Aiea, Hawaii). However, six interceptions from Puget Sound almost completely hindered the Logger’s offensive efforts throughout the game.
Linfield had several players post impressive offensive numbers. Aaron Boehme completed 10 of 18 passes for a total of 220 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 91 yards. Simon Larson recorded 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns as well for Linfield. Puget Sound recorded 161 combined passing yards after completing 21 of 41 passes while also amassing 54 rushing yards on 30 carries. On a positive note, the Loggers’ 14 points on Saturday gave them a total of 131 points after five games, surpassing their point total of 127 from the entire 2009 season.
After three consecutive home losses, the Loggers remain optimistic about the remainder of the season as they prepare to head to Willamette for next week’s contest. The Bearcats are 3-2 overall this season and 1-1 in Northwest Conference play.
This season has definitely proven the Loggers’ toughness as they have had to endure numerous close losses.
“This game is behind us now and we know we can compete with our remaining opponents,” said Erickson. “We just need to stay focused and work hard this week to prepare for Willamette.”
With four games left on the schedule, there is plenty of time for the team to regroup and find a way to come out on top in tight battles.