Disappointment could be seen all around the Linfield Campus on Nov. 1. A 28-31 lose against Willamette University left the ‘Cats in disappointment and awe.
It was a slow start for both teams. Neither school could keep drives going until there was 9:13 left on the clock.
That’s when senior Willamette quarterback Dylan Jones rushed for one yard to find the end zone. The extra point would be made.
The next few possessions for both teams would be slow. Willamette would attempt multiple drives but would be unable to keep the momentum going and sophomore quarterback Sam Riddle would get sacked for a lose forcing a punt.
In Linfield’s next drive they would go three and out including another sack on Sam Riddle for a loss of 11 yards to force the punt.
Willamette would then proceed to go three and out. On Linfield’s next possession junior running back Samuel Robinson would fumble the ball and it would be recovered by Willamette.
Willamette would attempt a field goal on fourth down from 40 yards out and miss wide right again. Making the score 0-7 with 2:55 left on the clock.
The next possession for Linfield would consist of going three and out again with another sack on Riddle.
Willamette would attempt one last drive, but would end up putting the ball on fourth down to end the quarter.
Linfield would have the ball to start out the second quarter. In 11 plays and 82 yards Riddle would find the end zone on a five-yard rush, having the extra point be good, made the score tied 7-7.
Willamette’s next possession would consist of multiple penalties towards the Linfield defense and a fumble by Willamette’s running back, which would be recovered by Willamette.
With 3:22 left on the clock, Jones would find the end zone again on a five-yard rush. The extra point would be made making the score 7-14.
Linfield would attempt another drive, but would be unsuccessful due to an interception by Willamette’s defense.
Willamette would use the Linfield turnover to their advantage and put up a field goal with 21 seconds left on the clock making it 7-17.
Linfield attempted to rush the ball but were unsuccessful, letting the clock run to zero for halftime.
Linfield started with the ball after half and seem to have their offense figured out until a sack on Riddle gave a lose of five yards and a penalty set them back 15 yards forcing them to punt the ball.
“We were a very undisciplined team yesterday. The amount of penalties we had is unacceptable,” Sam Riddle said in an email.  “To say that the game came down to penalties is probably true.”
The remainder of the quarter was full of drives that could not be turned into points for either team. Willamette would set themselves up in good field position for the fourth quarter, however the third quarter would end 7-17.
The fourth quarter started out with a 12-yard play that would result in a Willamette touchdown and a successful extra point. Making it 7-24.
Linfield’s next possession looked promising with Riddle connecting with senior wide receiver Charlie Poppens for a total of 33 yards and a touchdown. Narrowing the gap making the score 14-24.
Willamette would go three and out forcing a punt, but a Linfield penalty would set them back on the start of their next drive.
On their first play of the drive Riddle would throw an interception, setting up Willamette for another touchdown that would come one play later on a 98 yard rushing touchdown. Making the score 14-31.
Linfield’s next possession would result in a touchdown with four plays and 66 yards.
Linfield would kickoff, but senior return specialist Tyler Tamayo would force a fumble that would be recovered by Linfield. Setting them up for another touchdown, making it 28-31.
Willamette would attempt another drive, but the pass would be intercepted by sophomore center back Kennedy Johnson.
Linfield would attempt another drive and would attempt a field goal, but junior kicker Michael Metter would kick it short.
Willamette would get a first down on their first play, but end up fumbling the ball, getting it recovered by Willamette and getting a 15 yard penalty forcing them to punt.
Again Linfield would attempt another drive, but Riddle would throw his third and final interception of the game.
Willamette would be unable to use the turnover to their advantage and would punt the ball away, giving Linfield one last shot at the end zone.
Linfield would push the ball down the field quickly until Riddle rushed for nine yards running the ball out of bounds at the Willamette 41 yard line.
“I believe that it played a factor in rallying our fourth quarter comeback,” Riddle said.  “During the moment I tried to stay level headed and not to try to be bigger than the moment itself. Wish we could have started the game off stronger and not put us in a situation that needed a comeback.”
Riddle would aim for the end zone on their last play, but senior wide receiver Colin Nelson would be unable to bring the ball down for the game-winning touchdown, making the final score 28-31.
“I believe that what happened yesterday happened for a reason,” said Riddle.  “They were a good team and gave us a run for our money. I don’t believe that we weren’t prepared for them, we just flat out got beat by them. What we will take from this game is that we can’t take anything for granted.”
“We have worked so hard to get to the position that we are in and we are cheating ourselves to not play to our full potential,” Riddle said. Although the team is saddened by the loss they remain hopeful.
“I can guarantee you that we will come out Monday with the mindset that we need to get better and the only thing that can hold us back is ourselves. The sky is the limit for this team, we just needed a reality check. It just stinks it had to come in a loss,” Riddle said.
Linfield looks to recover from their loss against Willamette and force a win against Puget Sound on Nov. 8 at Puget Sound at 1 p.m.