SALEM --- The George Fox football team grabbed its first Northwest Conference victory Saturday afternoon, as the Bruins came away with a decisive 28-6 road victory over Willamette.

Recap:

It was an all-around effort by the Bruins, who produced 343 total yards of offense while the defense forced three interceptions.

Both teams were unsuccessful on their opening drives, but the Bruins settled in and found a rhythm midway through the first quarter. Jaden Sheffey found James Nguyen for a 24-yard pass that helped put the Bruins in the red zone. Anthony Garcia then exploded for a 19-yard touchdown to open up the scoring for the Bruins.

George Fox ended the first quarter with a 7-0 lead.

The second quarter was a standstill as neither team could sustain a lasting drive. The Bruins' defense made everything hard on the Bearcats, grabbing a sack on their first drive, an interception on their second and another sack on their third. With each possession, the Bruins made it clear that their defense came to play.

The Bruins went into the locker room with a 7-0 advantage.

After the break, the Bruins opened the third quarter with an eight-minute drive that produced 17 plays and 85 yards. Sheffey was in full force, keeping the Bearcats on their toes with his mobility. With a third and 14, Sheffey broke off a 17-yard run to keep the drive alive. Damian Cook pounded his way into the end zone moments later to give the Bruins a 14-0 lead.

Willamette answered back, though, recording an 18-play drive that went into the start of the fourth quarter. The Bearcats scored their lone touchdown on the day on a 1-yard run from Miles Bryant.

The Bruins shut the door on the Bearcats in the fourth, recording a 3-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Jack Taylor and a 72-yard bomb from Sheffey to Kenny May. Sheffey connected with May on a first and 10 that resulted in the longest play of the game.

The Bruins' defense held on the rest of the game as they cruised to a 28-6 victory.

Top Performers:

Jaden Sheffey went 6-9 with 128 yards in the air and a touchdown and 14 carries for 62 yards. Jack Taylor and Damian Cook both found the end zone with their feet, while May recorded his second straight 100-plus yard receiving game. May caught six passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.

Daniel Campos led the Bruins' defense with nine tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss and a forced fumble. Caleb Harrel grabbed two interceptions to go with his four tackles, while Austin Taylor recorded the third interception of the game.

What It Means:

The Bruins improve to 3-3 on the season and 1-2 in the NWC. The Bruins are currently tied for fifth in the NWC standings and are one game back from a three-way tie for second.

What Comes Next:

The Bruins host NWC rival Linfield College Saturday, Oct. 20, at 1:30 p.m. at Stoffer Family Stadium.