PUYALLUP, Wash. -- The Loggers broke the heart of Pacific Lutheran's homecoming crowd, taking down the Lutes 23-13 for their first win over the Lutes since 2021.
How it Happened
The Loggers' defense held strong on the first drive of the day, getting a key stop on third and five and setting up a missed Lute field goal.
Brady Beck got the start at quarterback, completing a couple of quick passes to get the Log rolling.
Drake Granberry III's 26-yard catch-and-run set the Loggers up in PLU territory, but the Loggers were forced to punt shortly after.
The defense was the name of the game on the next drive, as
Drea Burwell picked off the Lutes to hand the ball right back to Puget Sound.
Matt Reed got some action on the ground for the Loggers, putting together three rushes for 20 yards, including a 14-yard first down run. Beck then completed a pass to Granberry III for another Logger first down. Puget Sound marched their way down the field, as Beck found
Kasey Williams to get into the red zone. Reed punched the ball in for the Loggers, striking first to make it 7-0.
The Lutes responded with a 76-yard touchdown pass on the next drive, but that didn't shake the Loggers. They drove down the field again, getting into Lutes territory for the third straight drive. After a punt, the defense held strong, forcing a Lute punt of their own. After a punt, Puget Sound held strong, forcing a four-and-out to get the ball back with 1:02 on the clock.
In a wild sequence of events, the Loggers were able to put an unconventional three points on the board. A failed fourth-down attempt turned the ball over to the Lutes with 14 seconds to go in the first half. On the second play of the drive,
Tyler Evars intercepted a pass, returning it down to the Lute 40. An unsportsmanlike penalty as time expired gave the Loggers a field goal opportunity, which
Thomas Goeglein knocked down from 42 yards to give the Logs a 10-7 lead.
To start the third quarter, the Puget Sound defense held strong yet again. They forced three straight incomplete passes, getting some good pressure on the Lute quarterback. A good offensive drive ensued, as Beck led the Loggers down the field once more.
Reed got some movement on the ground picking up some key rushes to set up the passing game. Beck connected with Williams for a 23-yard pickup, as Reed pushed the Loggers into the red zone. Another massive connection with Williams set up a 15-yard Logger touchdown, as Puget Sound pulled ahead 17-7.
After another forced punt, the Loggers continued their solid defensive play, keeping the Lutes inside their own 35-yard line. Receiving the Lute punt at their own 33, Beck drove the Loggers down the field once more. He started the drive with a 20-yard pass to
Billy Hutton, with Reed leading the way into the red zone. The Loggers got stumped on third down, but still came away with points on a 30-yard Goeglein field goal.
Evars got his second interception of the day just three plays into PLU's next drive, giving the Loggers great field position yet again. Goeglein knocked in a 25-yard field goal to make it 23-7, pulling the Loggers further ahead.
Dylan Ott added his name to the interception train, picking off the Lutes' quarterback for the Loggers' fourth interception of the day. Pacific Lutheran took the ensuing drive for a touchdown, but failed the two-point conversion to keep it a 23-13 ball game. A
Brady Beck scramble on 3rd and 5 sealed the game, as the Loggers win, 23-13.
Overall, Puget Sound finished with four interceptions, and a sack, as Reed went 85 yards with a touchdown on the ground. Granberry III led the way as the Loggers' top receiver with 7 receptions for 77 yards.
What Happens Next
The Loggers travel down to Salem, Ore. to face Willamette on Saturday, October 17th. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.
