On Saturday, October22, the Linfield Wildcats faced another obstacle on their way to winning the conference title once again. This time almost having it stolen by the Whitworth Pirates.

The score and the end of the day was the Wildcats 45, Pirates 31. Though, Whitworth’s passing offense was touted as being one of the most impressive in the country among Division III schools, Linfield took them to task with a will.

Though only being 25-40 for completions on the day, quarterback Sam Riddle, ’17, had a field day, throwing five touchdowns for just under 400 yards with no interceptions. Combined for the day, Linfield’s offense had over 660 yards, rushing for around 250 yards and a touchdown, with all of this spread amongst six different rushers and nine different receivers. Suffice to say, the Pirates were outgunned in this match, which didn’t mean they went down without a fight.

Whitworth struck first in the game, causing the Wildcats to play catch-up immediately. Ultimately, they did and at the end of the first half Linfield led 28-10.

They would only score twice in the second half, while kicking a field goal to make their final score 45.

Whitworth on the other hand pushed back, and while the Linfield defense allowed 21 points to be scored, they refused to allow the Pirates back into striking range.

This was a slugging fest between two very good teams in a battle for the leadership of the Northwest Conference, as before this game both teams were perfect in conference play (3-0.) Linfield now stands alone, having defeated the only serious challenge to the goal of getting to the postseason.

Erick Douglas III, ’17, “Our O line played well and dominated the line of scrimmage the entire game. Our defense played really well, and were able to make some big stops. Our kicker Will stepped up and kicked well,” he said.

Next, catch the Wildcats on Saturday at home when they face the county rival the George Fox Bruins who are currently sitting in third, right behind Whitworth with a record of 3-1. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30pm.