NEWBERG, Ore. -- Through the first three-quarters of homecoming night, the George Fox football team looked dominant against the Lewis & Clark Pioneers. That all changed in the fourth when the Bruins' 28-10 lead evaporated as the game headed to overtime thanks to a Pioneer comeback.

In the first 2OT game in George Fox's history, Fox had chances, but lost in a tough effort, 31-37.

How It Happened
DeMontre Thomas II got the nod at QB for Fox to start the game, but Max Richey stole the show after a slow opening quarter. Neither team gained ground in the first, as the game entered the second period scoreless.

In the second, Richey took over at the helm, never looking back — his first pass of the day was the longest play of the season for the Bruin offense, with Richey finding a streaking Dillan Dobbins for a 64-yard touchdown. Though Zak Holsey picked off a pass in the red zone on the next possession, it would be the Pios who struck next with a one-yard passing touchdown.

Richey responded by leading the Bruin offense on a seven-play, 69-yard drive that culminated in a seven-yard touchdown run by the QB to take a 14-7 lead. After a late Lewis & Clark field goal, the Bruins led, 14-10, at the half.

The third quarter was all Fox, as Richey continued to slice and dice the Pioneer defense. The quarterback scored his second rushing TD of the day with six minutes left in the third to take a 21-10 lead and found Logan Klopfenstein for a 30-yard score to give the Bruins an 18-point lead. The defense locked down for Fox as well, with Bryce Goetz forcing a fumble and Noah Tack recovering.

It all changed in the fourth quarter as the Bruin offense came to a half. Fox could only muster 22 yards of offense in the fourth quarter, gaining only one first down via penalty. The Pios pounced on the opportunity; turning to their third-string quarterback in Trey Morris, the Lewis & Clark offense found life. 

The Pios slowly chipped away at the lead as Morris threw two TDs to cut the Bruin lead to 28-25. Fox's offense once again stalled, giving the Pios one more chance. As time expired, Thien Hoang's 39-yarder sailed through the uprights to force the third overtime in Bruin history. Hoang's initial kick had missed wide, but a Bruin offsides penalty gave the Pioneer kicker another chance.

The two teams traded field goals in overtime, forcing the first-ever double OT game in George Fox football history. Getting the ball first, Richey found Thomas McMillan for a clutch circus catch on 3rd and 10 to earn a first down. Two plays later, though, disaster struck; on 2nd and Goal, Richey's pass sailed just over Taylor Saben's head and was intercepted by Daryl Scott.

Lewis & Clark made sure that the interception would prove to be fatal — on their second play from scrimmage, Morris found Elijah McGee for a 25-yard touchdown to hand the Bruins a brutal homecoming loss.

Top Performers
Max Richey had his best career game at Fox, finishing 10/19 for 233 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while rushing for 24 yards and two scores. Dillan Dobbins continued to excel in his big-play role, finishing with three catches for 117 yards and one touchdown. Sheyden Iokia had a career day as well, recording three catches for 55 yards. Taylor Saben led the team with 17 carries for 59 yards.

Defensively, Bryce Goetz finished with 1.5 sacks for six yards and a forced fumble, while Jacob Erickson recorded 0.5 sacks, two QB hurries, and a pass breakup. Nash Wylie led the way with 13 tackles, while Zak Holsey intercepted a pass and Noah Tack recovered a fumble.

Coach's Thoughts
Soon to come.

What It Means
Saturday's loss was their first-ever loss to Lewis & Clark since the program returned in 2014, and the largest blown lead in school history. Fox drops to 1-3 (0-1 NWC) while the Pios improve to 2-2 (1-0 NWC).

What Happens Next
The Bruins will take to the road next Saturday, traveling to Tacoma to face the Loggers. The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.