SALEM, Ore. -- For the second time in 2024, the George Fox football team took down Willamette — taking advantage of three rushing touchdowns from running back Taylor Saben to down the Bearcats, 28-7.

How It Happened
The opening minutes of the game were symbolic of how the game would go for George Fox; the first Bearcat drive was halted thanks to a Kuyper Assink sack before the Bruins marched down the field. Taylor Saben was the main focus of the drive, taking a pass 46 yards down the field before punching in the six-yard touchdown to give Fox a 7-0 lead.

The next drive, it was a Noah Tack sack that forced another Willamette three-and-out and put the Bruin offense back in business. This time, it was DeMontre Thomas II who led the drive, completing two big passes — one to Chavis Lee and one touchdown pass to River Osen — to extend their lead to 14-0. The defense got the Bruins the ball in prime position with a Nash Wylie interception, but after a blocked field goal it was still 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

A glance at the box score would show a 0-0 mark in the second quarter — but it was a spirited effort from the Bruin defense that kept the 14-point lead into halftime. Three straight Willamette possessions started on the Bruins' half of the field, but the Bearcats never got close to a score.

The first drive of the second quarter for Willamette started at the GFU 47. An Assink sack secured a punt for the Bruins, but just four plays later, the Bearcats were back in business. Following an interception, Willamette took over possession at the GFU 34. Looking to take advantage of the momentum, Bearcats QB Alex Riviera IV took a shot into the end zone — a shot that went straight into the hands of Nolan Martin for the pick. The next possession for the Bruins ended in a blocked punt, again giving Willamette the ball in prime position. This time, it was Austin Harrison who came up huge, stuffing Riviera IV on the fourth down attempt to turn the ball over on downs. Thanks to the stout Bruin D, the game was still 14-0 at the half. 

The start of the second half was a carbon copy of the first half, with the Bruins marching down the field and scoring a quick touchdown. This time, it was Elias Polanski who had the big catch of the drive, catching a pass over the middle and running 28 yards to the one-yard line. Saben punched the ball through for his second TD of the day. 

Both teams traded punts for the middle part of the quarter before Fox put another touchdown on the board. Back-to-back-to-back completions from Thomas II to Lee — for three, 17, and 22 yards — put the Bruins in the red zone. The very next play, it was Saben again, this time rushing from 16 yards out to extend the lead to 28-0.

Fox's defense continued to lock in, holding the Bearcats scoreless on the offensive side of the ball for the game. After a deflection led to an interception in GFU territory at the start of the fourth, the Bruins once again held; Blake Mazurowski was the start of the show this time, blocking the Willamette attempt to keep the Bearcats off the board. The only score of the day for Willamette came midway through the fourth, with a pick-six cutting the Bruin advantage to 21. From there, Fox was content to slowly bleed the clock dry, running nine of the final 10 plays to coast home to a 28-7 win.

Top Performances
DeMontre Thomas II finished the day 16-24 for 266 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. While Taylor Saben dominated the day with 47 rushing yards and a career-high three touchdown rushes, William Moffitt led the team in rushing yards with 63. Chavis Lee led the team in receiving yards and receptions, pulling down five catches for 60 yards. River Osen had the lone Bruin receiving TD of the day.

On defense, Noah Tack led the team in tackles in what was an all-around exceptional day for Fox; Tack recorded four sacks in the game — the most in program history. Kuyper Assink and Blake Mazurowski each recorded a sack as well. Nash Wylie and Cole Carnes each recorded an interception, while Mazurowski blocked a kick.

Coach's Thoughts
"Today was a great example of overcoming adversity," Bruin head coach Chris Casey said, "The guys didn't even bat an eye or flinch, but stayed confident, stayed together as a team, and showed toughness. Our defense just played exceptionally today, our offense showed great balance on some of our drives, and we had some really sound special teams in the second half. In all, our staff, coaches, and players did a great job persevering through adversity today to get the win."

What It Means
The Bruins improve to 4-3 (2-2 NWC) on the season, while the Bearcats fall to 2-5 (0-4 NWC). 

What Happens Next
The Bruins will stay on the road for the second straight week, traveling to Tacoma, Wash. to face the Pacific Lutheran Lutes (5-2, 3-1 NWC). Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.