TACOMA, Washington – Puget Sound and Lewis & Clark are proud to announce the creation of the Northwest Scholars Series. The four-year football series is a non-conference, head-to-head matchup between the Loggers and Pioneers in the opening week of each season from 2022 through 2025. The teams will also play their regularly scheduled Northwest Conference games against each other.
 
Puget Sound and Lewis & Clark are among the selective Northwest 5 Colleges Consortium, which is comprised of premier, small liberal arts colleges in Oregon and Washington. The consortium offers outstanding academic and cocurricular activities.
 
The football rivalry between the Loggers and Pioneers dates back to 1966, with the Loggers holding an overall 21-16 record against the Pioneers.
 
"The Northwest Scholars Series will energize the healthy rivalry between our prestigious institutions," said Puget Sound Director of Athletics Amy Hackett. "We know our quality student-athletes will bring their dedication shown in the classroom to the field, and amplify the excitement for our fans."  
 
Since taking over the reins at Puget Sound in 2010, Puget Sound head coach Jeff Thomas has created one of the most dynamic offenses in NCAA D-III football. The Loggers ranked top-10 nationally in passing yards per game for several consecutive years. Recently, however, the Loggers' ground game has turned heads. All-NWC running back Silas Washington led the conference in rushing yards in 2021. During the shortened 2020 campaign, Duncan Varela '21 lead the nation in rushing yards by the end of Puget Sound's season.
 
Likewise, the Lewis & Clark offense has been efficient at moving the football in recent years. The Pioneers have averaged more than 350 yards of total offense per game in each of their last three seasons. Former offensive coordinator Josh Bushman takes over as head coach in 2022.
 
"We are looking forward to this unique opportunity to draw attention not only to college football in the Pacific Northwest, but also to the high academic standards at Puget Sound and Lewis & Clark," said Thomas. "The Northwest Scholars Series will provide entertaining football to kickoff each of the next several seasons. I have great respect for Coach Bushman, and know this will be a rivalry that makes both schools proud."
 
Lewis & Clark hosts the first Northwest Scholars Series game, September 3.