Narrow loss for Bearcats to Lewis & Clark

SALEM, Ore. — Lewis & Clark (5-0) maintained their unbeaten record with a 28-20 victory over Willamette University (1-4) at McCulloch Stadium, highlighted by three passing touchdowns and a consistent scoring effort in each quarter.

Lewis & Clark opened the game with a 10-play, 83-yard drive, capped by a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Dashiell Weaver at 9:19, taking an early lead. Willamette responded with a 13-play drive, moving 54 yards into Lewis & Clark territory before a 33-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Lewis & Clark held a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Weaver connected with Desmon Holton on a 5-yard touchdown pass at 13:12, extending the lead after a successful challenge by the Bearcats. Willamette's drive was halted by a missed 40-yard field goal attempt by Nick Beswick-Seidl. Austin Payne intercepted a pass from Weaver at the Lewis & Clark 21-yard line with 40 seconds remaining, but Willamette's subsequent drive ended without a score. Lewis & Clark entered halftime leading 14-0.

Lewis & Clark capitalized on a strong drive with Weaver's 10-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Lee, extending their lead in the third quarter. The Bearcats responded with a 69-yard drive, culminating in a Luke Rasmussen 8-yard touchdown pass to Jonah Luhrsen. Willamette's defense intensified, sacking Weaver twice on a crucial Lewis & Clark possession, forcing a punt. The third quarter concluded with both teams tied at 21-21.

Willamette's Jerrick Little initiated the fourth quarter with a strong 8-yard rush, followed by a 5-yard gain to set up a significant 64-yard touchdown pass from Rasmussen to Trajan Clark. Lewis & Clark responded with a precise 7-play, 63-yard drive capped by a Weaver 7-yard touchdown pass to Holton, tying the game again. Willamette's ensuing drive was marked by Little's critical 32-yard rush, leading to a 1-yard rushing touchdown, though the extra point attempt was blocked. Lewis & Clark controlled the closing minutes, ending the game by maintaining possession with a series of kneel downs and securing a 28-20 victory to conclude the game.

Payne led the defense with nine total tackles, including two sacks and an interception. Little contributed offensively with 83 rushing yards on nine carries and scored a touchdown. Quarterback Rasmussen completed 12 of 18 passes for 141 yards and threw two touchdowns. Clark made an impact in the receiving game, hauling in two catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.

The Bearcats fall to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in conference play following the loss. Lewis & Clark improves to a perfect 5-0 overall, including a 2-0 mark in conference action.

Looking ahead, Willamette is set to challenge University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, on October 18th. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. local time.