NEWBERG, Ore. -- The George Fox football team dropped its first game of the season to rival Linfield, hanging close early but falling behind in a 58-24 loss.
How It Happened
Though the Bruins started with the ball, the Wildcats struck first. After two incomplete passes, quarterback
JJ Leman's pass was batted in the air and intercepted by Iloa Kaio and returned 26 yards for a touchdown. The Bruins countered with their best drive of the game: a seven-play, 72-yard drive that ended in a
Karsen Denault rushing TD — the first score on the ground in his career. Though the ensuing PAT was bobbled, the Bruins were back in the game, trailing just 7-6 against a team that was who was receiving votes in both the AFCA Coaches Poll and D3football.com top 25.
It quickly became clear that the Linfield offense would be a tough one to stop; the Wildcats marched down the field and scored on an eight-yard pass to make the score 14-6. Leman completed a pass to
Kaelan Frey for a solid 13-yard gain, but the drive quickly slammed to a halt with a fumble to give the ball back to Linfield.
GFU's defense held for the first time in the game, keeping the 'Cats out of the end zone on the short field.
Kuyper Assink had a sack, and
Austin Harrison had a pass breakup in the end zone to force a Wildcat field goal. On the offensive side, a 37-yard return from
Lyal Viers and a 32-yard completion to Denault put the Bruins in field goal range.
Ben Rembisz made the game a one-score affair with a 42-yard field goal.
Rembisz struck again for the Bruins, nailing a 45-yard field goal to end the half. Rembisz's field goal was set up by three completions to Frey, including a 29-yarder. The senior's career-long field goal helped cut the deficit to 12 at the half. Despite trailing 24-12, the Bruins outgained Linfield, 221-170, in the first half.
Unfortunately, those first-half yards dried up quickly in the third quarter. The Bruins did not manage a first down in the period and were outgained 217-12. The 12-point deficit quickly ballooned into a 32-point one as Linfield blew the game open with three touchdown drives. Things continued to escalate on the first play of the fourth, scoring on a 73-yard pass to put the Wildcats up 51-12.
Fox continued to fight, though, as backup QB
Austin Ramsey came in and made an immediate impact. The freshman's first career pass was one for the history books, as he completed a short pass to Denault that ballooned into a 75-yard TD. After
Will Barrett recovered a fumble, Ramsey threw up a ball that was pulled in by
Kaelan Frey on a diving one-handed grab from 16 yards out. Linfield tacked on one touchdown to end the game, as Fox dropped their first game of NWC play, 58-24.
Top Performances
Karsen Denault continued his torrid start to the season despite the loss; the sophomore ended his day with three receptions for 121 yards, scoring twice (one receiving, one rushing).
Kaelan Frey, meanwhile, had six catches for 79 yards and one TD. On the rushing side, freshman
Lyal Viers made the most of his career-high five carries, totaling a team-high 47 yards on the ground. Through the air,
JJ Leman finished 11-22 for 148 yards and an interception, while
Austin Ramsey was 4-10 for 116 yards and two scores in the fourth quarter.
Defensively,
Ben Nuss led the team with eight tackles, while
Kuyper Assink had the lone sack of the day.
Tyven Self-Gomes-Kealakai and
Jonah Tua each had a forced fumble, while Self-Gomes-Kealakai had a TFL.
Will Barrett had a fumble recovery. For special teams,
Ben Rembisz was 2-for-2 on field goals, each from 40-plus yards out.
Riley Rutledge had three punts of 50 yards, finishing with 223 yards punted.
Coach's Thoughts
"We got out played and out coached today," Bruin head coach
Spencer Crace said, "Unfortunately, we gave them two turnovers early, but they were the better team on October 3rd, 2026. I look forward to seeing the growth from this team as we move forward to the next great matchup. Lots of good football ahead of us. Can't wait to go back to work on Monday!"
What It Means
Fox loses their first game of the season, falling to 3-1 (0-1 NWC) on the season. Linfield advances to 2-1 (1-0 NWC) on the season.
What Happens Next
The Bruins will be back at home for the first time in 28 days, facing the Whitworth Pirates (2-1, 1-0 NWC) on Homecoming and Family Weekend. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
