NEWBERG, Ore. – As Goerge Fox celebrates Homecoming weekend, the Bruins look to cap off the festivities with a win against NWC rival Lewis & Clark.

The Bruins Offense has had a slow start to the season, something they are looking to change this weekend against a Pioneers defense that has given up 32 points per game this season. The Bruins' defense has yet to allow more than 20 points in a game, as they have allowed just 14 points a game, good for the second-best defense in the conference. Lewis & Clark boast the third-best offense in the conference in terms of points per game, so the decision of the game will most likely come down to the Bruins' offense versus the Pios' defense and which of the two can have the breakout game they have been hoping for. 

After DeMontre Thomas II and Max Richey took turns calling the shots at Quarterback in their last contest against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, Thomas II will get the start in the matchup against the Pios. Thomas threw for 69 yards and a TD in last weekend's game, throwing the lone touchdown for the Bruins before Richey took over in the second half. Richey may get snaps in Saturday's contest, but to start, Fox is rolling with Thomas II under center. 

Fifth-year senior Dillan Dobbins provided a massive lift to the Bruins receiving core in last week's contest and looks to do so again in his second week in action. His seventeen-yard touchdown reception against CMS last weekend was the Bruins' first receiving touchdown of the season, something Fox would like to see more of against Lewis & Clark. Dobbins is joined out wide by Elias Polanski – who leads the Bruins in receiving yards – and River Osen and Logan Klopfenstien in the slot, splitting snaps at the position. 

The Bruins backfield struggled to break free against a stout run defense in California last weekend, something that starter Taylor Saben looks to change this weekend against a Pios run defense that allows over 170 yards on the ground per game. Leading back from last week, Logan Candanonza, will also take snaps out of the backfield. 

The Bruins' top-three defense will feature familiar faces; sack leader Jacob Erickson looks to add to his season total, while joined in the trenches by Bryce Goetz, and Jaron Marks. Veteran safety Matthew Phillips mans the defensive backfield, as they try to limit the air attack of the Pios, which averages over 315 yards a game.  

The Pioneers are led by senior quarterback Cruz Montana, who comes into town fresh off passing 5,000 career passing yards. In Pio's most recent game against Montana Western University, he went 20-36 for 280 yards. The Pioneer's receivers are led by the dynamic duo of Ben Burhman, who had nine catches in their last game, and Elijah Washington. The Lewis & Clark defense has struggled to begin the year, allowing over 400 yards a game. Their offense has been what has been keeping them in games, but when their offensive unity struggles, it can lead to lopsided losses, like their 49-10 loss in their last game. 

The Bruins have an opportunity to get their offense back on track on Saturday, and if they do, it will be a festive note for homecoming weekend. The 27th class of the George Fox Hall of Fame will be honored at halftime at Stoffer Family Stadium.

Tickets can be purchased here and are $25 per person for reserved seats. General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children aged five through high school (with student ID), and $5 for seniors aged 65 and up. Live stats and video will be available on the Bruins' schedule page for those who can not attend in person, with the game also streamed on KRCW — Channel 32 for Dish and DirecTV users and Channel 3 for Xfinity users.