NEWBERG, Ore. --- It came down to the wire Saturday afternoon, as the Bruins prevailed over the Lutes of Pacific Lutheran, 22-18.

Recap:
The Lutes were the first to get on the board using five plays to open up their first drive with a 22-yard touchdown run. The Bruins were able to block the point after, trailing 6-0. Unable to get in a groove in the first quarter, the Bruins' offense failed to get on the scoreboard. The Lutes ended the first quarter with an 11-yard touchdown pass, but the two point conversion failed leaving the Bruins down 12-0.

The Bruins found their groove in the second quarter, as running back Damian Cook gave the Bruins a boost. Cook joined forces with quarterback Grant Schroeder to help the Bruins use seven plays to achieve 70 yards that resulted in a touchdown. Schroeder used a read option to rush for a 29-yard touchdown to put the Bruins down by five, 12-7. The Lutes looked to respond after chewing up eight minutes of play on 16 plays, but the Bruins' defense held the Lutes to a 23-yard field goal.

The Bruins went into the half down by eight, 15-7.

The deficit didn't seem to faze the Bruins, as Wesley Riddell rushed for a 12-yard touchdown after four minutes of play. Grant Schroeder connected with Brad Lander for the two point conversion to tie the score up at 15-15.

The fourth quarter proved to be worth the price of admission, as the game came down to the very last play. The Bruins managed to take their first lead of the game at the start of the fourth after Schroeder willed himself into the end zone on a 5-yard touchdown run. The touchdown put the Bruins up 22-18.

"Our O-line was incredible today," said Schroeder. "They did a great job leaving holes for our running backs and giving me plenty of time to throw down field. Everything we have gone through in the last two years helped us in this win today. We lived by our motto today. Never give up. Never give in. Play like a champion."

That mindset helped the Bruins' defense as they continued their stellar play moments later after Ryan Russo intercepted a pass in the Bruins' red zone.

"We needed a turnover," said Russo. "We knew they were going to pass in that situation and I made sure I put myself in the right position."

Unfortunately for the Bruins, a three and out gave the Lutes a chance to get the ball back. With 1:22 left on the game clock, the Lutes received the ball on the Bruins' 27 yard line. A 10-yard rush gave the Lutes a first down and put them in the Bruins' red zone. Russo was the hero again breaking up a pass that would have resulted in a first down. With time winding down, the Lutes completed a pass for five yards, but a player appeared to be injured on the play. Not having any timeouts, a 10 second wind down was enforced, ending the game in favor for the Bruins, 22-18.

"That was a tremendous victory for our program," said head coach Chris Casey. "It was a big win over a really good team. We still have things we need to work on, but we had another strong performance in the second half. We need to keep improving. Our goals haven't been met yet. Next week is a big game for us, and we know what we have to do."

Top Performers:
Schroeder was unstoppable, recording 18-27 passes for 141 yards in the air and 12 carries for 47 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Comstock led the ground crew with 12 carries for 62 yards, but it was Riddell who recorded the touchdown. Brad Lander caught six passes for 69 yards. Charles Riga led the Bruins' defense with 13 tackles and one sack.

What It Means:
With the win, the Bruins continue their win streak of three in a row. The Bruins stand at 3-3 on the season and 3-1 in the NWC. The Bruins are currently tied for second in the NWC.

What Comes Next:
The Bruins will play conference rival Linfield College on Oct. 29 in McMinnville at 1:30p.m.