NEWBERG, Ore. --- The Bruins opened the 2021 campaign against a University of Redlands squad ranked 22nd in the AFCA preseason Top 25, falling 24-14 to the 2019 Southern California Collegiate Athletic Conference runners-up Saturday night in front of an energetic, packed house at Stoffer Family Stadium.
How It Happened
After an early exchange of punts, Bruins' DL Riley Lusk picked off a Nathan Martinez pass at the Redlands 34-yard line, the first of two George Fox interceptions in the game. Two plays later, the Bruins were in business with 1st-and-goal at the five. On a 4th-and-goal handoff at the one, fullback Faufano Autele was ruled to be short of the goal line, though replays showed that he had crossed the line. The Bulldogs took advantage of this bit of good fortune and proceeded to drive 99 yards in 12 plays for a momentum-stripping score and a 7-0 lead.
Down 7-0 in the second quarter, the Bruins marched down to the Redlands 26 on their ensuing possession, but back-to-back Bulldogs sacks forced a punt and Redlands got a key 3-and-15 conversion from their own red zone, capping an eight-play drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Martinez to Ty Hershberger for a 14-0 lead midway through the second period.
The Bruins would respond with their first TD drive. Quarterback Haiden Schaan completed back-to-back passes to Adam Hawker to get George Fox into Redlands territory for the third time. This time they wouldn't leave without a score as Ethan Kassebaum found paydirt on an eight-yard run to make it 14-7.
A 46-yard field goal by Redlands kicker Jeremiah McKnight, Jr. on the final play of the half gave the visitors a 17-7 lead at the break. The Bruins had chances to grab momentum early in the second half, but their opening drive stalled just past the 50 and a Lucas Schwin interception resulted in a three-and-out possession.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bruins missed on a 43-yard field goal attempt that would have made it a one-score game early in the fourth. The Bulldogs followed with an 11-play march that ate up nearly seven minutes of the period. Facing 3rd-and-13, Martinez connected with Evan Aguon on a 33-yard TD pass to put Redlands up 24-7.
Still, with 7:17 left on the clock, the Bruins had time to make a game of it and they very much did. Schaan completed four straight passes, including a 36-yard bomb to Leon Johnson III on the second play of the drive to put the Bruins back into Redlands red zone and an 18-yard completion to the 6-5 soph in the end zone, a drive that used less than 90 seconds of clock.
With enough time remaining to feel comfortable kicking deep, the Bruins defense forced a three-and-out and a punt and had the ball back in reasonably good field position, down two scores with 3:21 left. But, pressed into a 4th-and-7, Schaan's pass to Kassebaum came up just a yard short of the line to gain and the Bulldogs were able to run out the clock.
Top Performers
Though the Bulldogs had a decisive edge in the running game, the George Fox defense forced two turnovers and collected three sacks. Lusk had five tackles to go with his first career INT. Abe Smith had six tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage and Wyatt Adams had a pass breakup to go with his six stops. Freshman Kiegan Schaan also notched a half dozen tackles in his first start. Older brother Haiden completed 23-31 for 251 yards and a TD with no interceptions. Johnson III led the way with six catches for 91 yards and a score.
Coach's Thoughts
More to come upon coach response.
What It Means
Though the Bruins came up on the losing end on the scoreboard, it was a competitive four-quarter game against a ranked team.
Up Next
After a bye week, the Bruins hit the road for Orange, Calif. to face their next opponent, defending SCIAC champ and 11th-ranked Chapman University, at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18.
