Box Score NEWBERG --- The George Fox football team finished the 2018 season with a shootout Saturday, as the Bruins hosted the Puget Sound Loggers in a 62-48 victory.
Recap:
The combination of 110 points on the day set a new school record, as well as the Bruins' 62 points, breaking the school record for most points scored in a game. The previous record was set last season in 2017 against Willamette (58-12).
The Bruins were red hot in the first half, dropping 21 in the first quarter and 20 in the second. The 41 points in the first half ties the school record put up against Willamette on Oct. 14, 2017 (2nd half, 27-14-41).
The Loggers were the first to score after the opening kickoff resulted in a fumble by the Bruins. George Fox was quick to answer back, though, as Jaden Sheffey connected with Kenny May for the 33-yard touchdown. The Bruins special teams got in the mix on the next kickoff, as the Loggers fumbled the kick return, giving the Bruins the ball back on the Loggers' 12.
Damian Cook was the next Bruin to find the end zone after he bullied his way in for the 1-yard touchdown.
After the first three possessions, the Bruins led, 14-7.
The Loggers, who boasted a conference-best 364.7 yards a game, struggled early against the Bruins' defense. Bruin Antwon Weary helped the Bruins out with an 18-yard sack to force another Logger punt.
Jack Taylor came into the game for the Bruins and found Spencer Clements on a post route. Clements put on the boosters and jogged into the end zone for the 55-yard touchdown. Rutledge responded for the Loggers with a 38-yard touchdown on the next possession to bring the game to a 21-13 lead for the Bruins.
At the start of the second quarter, Taylor was at it again. This time, the sophomore found a wide open May for a 40-yard touchdown to give the Bruins a 24-point advantage, 27-13. With 3:10 left in the first half, Justin Montijo intercepted Rutledge and recorded a pick-six with a 53-yard touchdown. The defense wasn't done putting on a show, as Joshua Erling blocked a Loggers' punt on the Puget Sound nine, and Bradley Thurber recorded the scoop-and-score for a 5-yard touchdown.
The Bruins went into the half with a 41-20 lead.
Special teams continued to provide a boost for the Bruins. After a Logger touchdown to start the third quarter, Anthony Garcia recorded a 92-yard kickoff return to keep the Bruins at a distance. That touchdown was the only one for the Bruins, as they went into the fourth quarter with a 48-34 lead.
The final quarter was a thriller. The Loggers started to click with backup quarterback Nick Bernhardt, who put the Loggers within one score after a 36-yard touchdown. With the game within reach, Taylor dropped a beautiful pass to Bronson Ramos in the corner of the end zone. The 5-yard touchdown put the Bruins' lead back up to 14, 55-41.
Cook sealed the game for the Bruins in the final two minutes, as the senior muscled his way in for the 3-yard touchdown. A late touchdown by the Loggers put the game closer, 62-48, but it was too little too late with the Bruins taking home the victory.
George Fox finished the day with nine sacks, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
Top Performers:
Jack Taylor went 5-10 with 104 yards and three touchdowns. May caught two passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Cook rushed for 30 yards and two touchdowns.
Austin Taylor led the Bruins with 15 tackles and three broken up passes. Weary finished with two sacks and three tackles for a loss. Caleb Harrell and Justin Montijo both recorded two interceptions apiece.
What It Means:
The Bruins finish the season 6-4 and 4-3 in the Northwest Conference. George Fox finishes third in the NWC standings. This marks the third straight winning season for the Bruins.
What Comes Next:
The Bruins will be back in action in the 2019 season.
