Can Linfield's Second Half Surge Propel Them Past Chapman?
Published: 2025-09-21 03:40:23 | Category: Trump GNEWS Search
Last Saturday marked an exciting day for nonleague football in the Northwest Conference (NWC) as teams prepared for the commencement of conference play on 4 October. Linfield, the reigning NWC champions, secured a much-needed victory against Chapman, while Lewis & Clark maintained their unbeaten streak. This article delves into the key matchups, standout performances, and what lies ahead for these teams.
Last updated: 30 September 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways from Last Saturday's Games
- Linfield rallied to a strong 28-13 win against Chapman, thanks to quarterback Luke McNabb's stellar performance.
- Lewis & Clark remains unbeaten after a dominant 21-3 victory over Pomona-Pitzer.
- George Fox experienced a heartbreaking loss to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, dropping to 0-3.
- Willamette achieved their first win of the season against La Verne with a 29-14 scoreline.
- Western Oregon crushed Sul Ross State 66-3, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Linfield's Strong Comeback
After an unexpected loss to UW-Oshkosh in their season opener, Linfield faced Chapman with a determination to return to winning ways. The Wildcats, led by quarterback Luke McNabb, displayed an impressive performance, overcoming a halftime deficit to secure a 28-13 victory at Maxwell Field.
McNabb's performance was nothing short of remarkable; he threw three touchdown passes and rushed for another, completing 14 of 24 passes for 170 yards. His ability to avoid sacks and interceptions was crucial, and he also led the team in rushing with 63 yards on 13 carries. Notably, McNabb connected twice with receiver Caleb Woodcock during a dominant third quarter, which saw Linfield outscore Chapman 21-0.
Looking forward, Linfield will face George Fox on 4 October, aiming to extend their streak of consecutive winning seasons, which currently stands at 68 years.
Lewis & Clark's Unbeaten Streak Continues
Meanwhile, Lewis & Clark has been on a roll this season, moving to 3-0 after a solid 21-3 win against Pomona-Pitzer. Under the guidance of Coach Brett Elliott, the Pioneers have outscored their opponents 115-33 in their first three games.
Quarterback Dashiell Weaver played a pivotal role in the victory, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another score. His impressive passing statistics—15 completions on 17 attempts for 151 yards—demonstrated his efficiency. The Pioneers’ defence was equally formidable, recording eight sacks and holding Pomona-Pitzer to a net rushing total of minus-five yards, the fewest points allowed in a game since 2010.
Next up for Lewis & Clark is a rematch against Puget Sound at 1 p.m. on 4 October, a team they previously defeated 56-20 in a nonleague matchup earlier in the season.
George Fox Suffers Heartbreaking Loss
In a dramatic encounter, George Fox fell to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 28-21, leaving them winless at 0-3. The Bruins had a brief lead in the game, with JJ Leman connecting on a 40-yard touchdown pass to Karsen Denault, putting them ahead 21-20 with just over a minute remaining.
However, the Stags responded swiftly; a 96-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Robert Litscher to receiver Jaden Rattay on their second play after regaining possession clinched the game. Litscher's performance was impressive, throwing for 264 yards and three touchdowns, while Leman had a solid outing for George Fox, completing 17 of 31 passes for 167 yards and rushing for 55 yards on 17 carries.
George Fox will be looking for redemption when they play Linfield on 4 October.
Willamette Breaks into the Win Column
In a much-needed victory, Willamette defeated La Verne 29-14, marking their first win of the season. Under first-year coach Aric Williams, the Bearcats scored an impressive 22 points in the second quarter, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Austin Snodgrass made headlines with a remarkable 90-yard touchdown run, while the defence recovered four fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown by Javi Rodriguez. Willamette will aim to build on this momentum when they face Pacific Lutheran on 4 October.
Western Oregon's Dominance
Western Oregon delivered a stunning performance against Sul Ross State, winning 66-3 in a Division II conference match. The Wolves, who came off a successful 6-3 league record in 2024, demonstrated their offensive firepower, scoring 21 points in the first quarter and 35 by halftime.
Quarterback Jordan McCarty led the charge with four touchdown passes, completing 12 of 18 attempts for 220 yards. The Wolves also showcased a strong rushing attack with 233 yards and added touchdowns from an interception return by Nino Gama and a punt return by Terayon Sweet. Western Oregon's next game is against West Texas A&M on 27 September.
Montana Tech and Southern Oregon Clash
In another competitive matchup, Montana Tech defeated Southern Oregon 37-14. The Diggers improved to 4-0, with receiver Levi Torgerson making a significant impact with eight receptions for 222 yards. Quarterback Jarrett Wilson had an outstanding game, completing 15 of 20 passes for 321 yards. Southern Oregon's quarterback, Dom Montiel, managed to throw for 280 yards and two touchdown passes but couldn't secure a win.
Southern Oregon will look to bounce back when they face Dakota State on 27 September.
Defensive Battle: Valley City State vs. Eastern Oregon
In a low-scoring affair, Valley City State edged out Eastern Oregon 3-0, with the only points coming from a 24-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Despite having 166 yards of total offense, the Mounties' defence held strong, limiting Eastern Oregon to just 199 yards. This matchup highlighted the importance of strong defensive plays in close games.
Next, Valley City State will take on Montana State-Northern at 1 p.m. on 27 September.
Upcoming Matchups
With the conference play set to begin on 4 October, teams are keen to establish their positions early in the NWC standings. The upcoming matches will be crucial for playoff positioning and team morale.
Linfield vs. George Fox, Lewis & Clark vs. Puget Sound, and Willamette vs. Pacific Lutheran are just a few of the exciting matchups to look forward to.
Conclusion
The recent nonleague games have set the stage for an engaging conference season in the Northwest Conference. With teams like Linfield and Lewis & Clark showing strong performances, the competition is heating up as they all vie for the coveted conference title. As the season unfolds, the excitement will only continue to grow—stay tuned for more thrilling action in the coming weeks!
#NorthwestConference #CollegeFootball #LinfieldWildcats
FAQs
What is the Northwest Conference?
The Northwest Conference (NWC) is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States, primarily comprising schools from the Pacific Northwest region. It features various sports, including football, basketball, and soccer.
How long has Linfield College been successful in football?
Linfield College has enjoyed 68 consecutive winning seasons in football and has won 25 Northwest Conference titles, making them one of the most successful programmes in collegiate football history.
When does conference play begin for the NWC?
Conference play for the Northwest Conference begins on 4 October. This marks a significant transition from the nonleague games teams have been playing.
What was Lewis & Clark's score against Pomona-Pitzer?
Lewis & Clark defeated Pomona-Pitzer with a score of 21-3, showcasing a strong defensive performance and offensive efficiency.
Who is the current coach for Willamette University football?
The current coach for Willamette University football is Aric Williams, who is in his first year of coaching the Bearcats.
