By: Riley Bushnell
NEWBERG, Ore. --- George Fox football (3-3) looks to rebound after a close defeat at the hands of Puget Sound last week. Their next opponent, Pacific Lutheran (0-5, 0-3 NWC) is in rebuilding mode this season after a 7-2 record last year. The Lutes were senior heavy in 2014, but both leading rusher Niko Madison and quarterback Dalton Ritchey are no longer with the team due to graduation. With many playmakers gone, it's out with the old and in with the new for the Lutes. Growing pains have occurred along the way for this program that has historically been at the top of the conference. Most recently, PLU quarterback, Jon Schaub, suffered an injury and is questionable to start Saturday.
Being uncertain which quarterback will start for Pacific Lutheran favors George Fox. The arm of Hans Fortune overcame the Bruins last weekend. However, neither of the two options at quarterback for PLU (Schaub or freshman backup Cole Chandler) have the in-game experience of Fortune, nor will they have two full weeks of practice with the first-string offense before this game. The George Fox secondary look to regain their confidence, and the extra motivation after a tough loss along with two inexperienced quarterbacks just might be the remedy.
Offensively for the Bruins, quarterback Grant Schroeder is in the middle of a great year with another strong performance last week against Puget Sound that included 267 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. John Shaffer continues to tear up the turf, leading the conference in rushing at 88 yards per game. He might have a little less room to run than he did against Puget Sound, as the Lutes are far better stopping the run at just 119 yards per game, though Shaffer has given far superior run defenses fits before.
Where the Lutes really shine is pass defense. In fact, they're the best team George Fox has seen this point in the season in terms of passing yards allowed per game (207). PLU's best starting defensive back, Carson Kettner, already has one pick six to his name this season along another pass breakup and 22 total tackles. The stout PLU pass defense in particular gives them the ability to keep games close, like they did against Willamette and Cal Lutheran this season. Despite a winless record, the Lutes defense is much better than their record indicates. The Bruins have their own defensive standouts including Jesse Bresser who recorded two interceptions last week against the Loggers. One of those interceptions came on an 82-yard pick-six that gave the Bruins some much needed momentum.
The Bruins head to Tacoma this Saturday to take on the Lutes of Pacific Lutheran at 1:00 p.m.
Additional Information
Tickets
Tickets will be sold one hour before competition and located at the gate. Prices for adults are $10, non PLU students and seniors (62+) $5 and military is $8. If you are five and under, there will be no charge for admission.
Location
Sparks Stadium is located in the center of nearby Puyallup. It is the home field for many Puyallup School District high school sporting events. The stadium has covered seating for approximately 4,500 spectators. 5th Ave. SW, Puyallup, WA 98371.
Live Stream
The Lutes offer a free video stream with live stats and audio. George Fox will also send a commenator to the game who will broadcast an audio feed via the Bruin Sports Network on KFOX.
