SPOKANE, Wash. – The Puget Sound Logger football team's attempt to break through Whitworth University's five-game winning streak fell short as they were defeated 63-21 on Saturday.
The Loggers put up the first seven points after receiving the kickoff, with
Mason Binning completing five of six passes going 61 yards, culminating in a four-yard touchdown pass to
Tommy Milton, marking his first touchdown of the season and giving the Loggers an early lead. Puget Sound was soon matched a minute later as the Whitworth Pirates rushed for eight yards to their own 45-yard line, then completed a 40-yard pass to Cameron Shelley and finished the play rushing in 15 yards to level the score, 7-7. Puget Sound made another offensive push, taking the ball to the 10-yard line and attempting a field goal. Unfortunately, the 27-yard field goal attempt by
Connor Ridenour was no good as it was blocked by Whitworth's, Solomon Hines.
The second quarter witnessed a relentless offensive onslaught by the Pirates, scoring six touchdowns on every possession since the start of the quarter. Whitworth's tenacious defense held the Loggers at bay, and the first half ended with the Loggers trailing 49-7.
Going into the second half, the Pirates returned the kickoff for 30 yards, all the way to the Puget Sound 39-yard line. After 25 yards in penalties from the Loggers, the Pirates rushed the ball in for their eighth touchdown of the night. The Loggers finally retaliated by completing four passes for 41 yards and finishing with a 12-yard rush from Binning. Alas, Hines broke the defense again and blocked the extra point. The Loggers now trail the Pirates 56-13.
The Loggers found there rhythm early into the fourth quarter, advancing down the field with a 39-yard pass to
Henry Hernandez, earning a first down at the four-yard line. Isaiah Jerenz connected with Binning for the last four yards, securing their final touchdown of the night. The Loggers opted for a two-point conversion, which was successfully completed by
Henry Hernandez. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Luke McCorkle recorded an interception for the Pirates after a quick run from second-string quarterback
Hayden Teeter. Whitworth concluded the game with a late score on a 13-yard run finishing 63-21.
Binning completed 23 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Isaiah Jerenz scored a touchdown and led the Loggers by receiving for 14 passes, gaining a season-high 160 yards.
Henry Hernandez showed prowess receiving for three passes, gaining 60 yards, rushing for 57 yards, and completing a two-point conversion for the Loggers.
Dylan Graham led the Loggers with six tackles, while
Tyler Evars had five solo tackles on the day.
Whitworth attempted only 13 passes throughout the game, with Austin Ewing completing 8 of 12 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns for the Pirates. Dylan Ventress recorded seven tackles while Ryan Kinney led the Pirates with eight tackles. Notably, the Pirates had 325 rushing yards compared to the Loggers' 126 yards, but the Loggers recorded 277 passing yards to Whitworth's 166 yards.
Puget Sound Football will return home next Saturday, Oct. 21 as they take on Linfield University in Baker Stadium at 1 p.m.
