This past weekend proved to be costly for the Puget Sound Loggers as Whitworth forced six turnovers to hold onto a 70-11 win on Saturday Oct. 20 in Spokane, Wash. The Loggers (0-6, 0-3 NWC) had five passes intercepted, including two that resulted in Whitworth touchdowns.
According to Logger Athletics, the windy conditions in Spokane on Saturday resulted in a less-than-respectable Logger offense. The Loggers were never able to get an offensive groove resulting in a poor passing game. Whitworth used this to their advantage with a strong ground game as well as a solid defense.
A 29-yard interception by the Pirate’s Scott Carr was the highlight of the three-score first quarter for Whitworth (6-2, 2-2 NWC) and rocketed them into the lead.
In the third quarter, the Loggers put together a 13-play, 66-yard drive that allowed for a five-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Braden Foley (Bothell, Wash.) to junior Tieler Souza (Camarillo, Calif.).
It was the first of two drives by the Loggers, but it came too late as the Pirates had already pulled ahead with a 56-0 lead.
In the fourth and final quarter, the Loggers took 7:21 off the clock on a 15-play, 69-yard drive that ended with a 29-yard field goal by sophomore Everett West (Anaheim, Calif.).
Foley completed the game with 17 completions on 33 attempts for one touchdown and a total of 136 yards. His favorite target was senior Adam Kniffin (Salem, Ore.), had six catches and 50 yards.
The Logger season began as a blank slate. Although last season resulted in continuous Logger defeats, the 2012 football season was chance for the Loggers to step it up and prove to their fans and the campus community as a whole that they were a talented team.
Unfortunately, the performances that we have seen are none too optimistic or empowering.
The Loggers are once again constantly defeated, even on their home turf. And the question that must be raised is: “Why?”
Each game we see a strong performance from the Loggers, but it either occurs at the game’s start or occurs a little too late. Consistency is lacking on the field.
Logger football has the talent. There are players on the field that have the drive to do well each game. However, it is just not reflected on the scoreboard at the end of each game.
There must be a way for the Loggers to turn it around. I cannot say for sure what that way might be. I am not on the field during practice or listening in on the coaches’ speeches, but there must be a way. And once this missing piece is discovered, the Loggers can turn it around for a much needed victory.
The Loggers return home to Baker Stadium Saturday Oct. 27 for their annual homecoming game. The Loggers will host Pacific Lutheran. The rivalry match will begin at 1 p.m.
