TACOMA, Wash. (September 14, 2024) - Logger Football fell to the Southwestern Pirates at their home opener today on Peyton Field at Baker Stadium.

Head Coach Jeff Thomas was proud of the work that his players have put in since last week's defeat at Lewis & Clark, saying after the game that he is "happy to see the work they have put in and are showing improvements in parts" and that "we need to continue to get better across the board and show more discipline to ensure widespread success."

In a silo, the highlights of the day painted the Loggers beautifully. During the first drive, Puget Sound's offense dominated the Pirates and consistently kept them on their heels, in what felt like a coast into the end zone where Joe Gallagher out the first points on the board for the Loggers with 8:22 left in the first.

The game continued as a shootout, but the Loggers eventually could not keep pace due a vast number of turnovers and Southwestern's ability to exploit the secondary with their run game, wherein the Pirates logged 279 to the Loggers' 35 rushing yards. The Loggers have been plagued with untimely turnovers these past two weeks, with many in the red zone or during critical conversions. Today, the Loggers conceded three interceptions and lost another two possessions on fumbles.

The Loggers completed 40 passes, whereas the Pirates only completed 8. Quarterback Mason Binning, who held the second-highest completion percentage in all of the NCAA last season, finished the game with three touchdowns and 361 passing yards. Receiver Isaac Tran led the Loggers in receiving yards with 183.

The Loggers are out of state yet again next week when they visit La Verne to take on the Leopards. Then, they're due for a bye week for the first week of conference play, and will next play at home on October 5th versus the Pacific Boxers.