Bearcats subdued by Pacific

FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Willamette (1-6) experienced a 35-14 defeat against Pacific University (Oregon) (2-5) at Hanson Stadium.

Pacific University opened with a strong rushing attack, as Brody Bantolina gained 67 yards on two carries, setting up a 3-yard touchdown pass from Keaton Smith to Timothy Bancroft. The Bearcats responded with a sustained drive, highlighted by a 4-yard rush by Masen Uribe to convert on third down, leading to a 37-yard field goal by Nick Beswick-Seidl. Pacific was hindered by an illegal formation penalty, negating a 22-yard completion, as the quarter ended with Pacific leading 7-3.

In the second quarter, a pivotal safety at 14:38 shifted momentum, as Trajan Clark forced a fumble recovered by Pacific in the end zone. The Bearcats capitalized on the safety by driving 55 yards on 10 plays, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown rush by Austin Snodgrass, extending their lead. Pacific responded with a 29-yard pass from Keaton Smith to Josiah Chaffin, but their drive stalled at Willamette's 44-yard line. An interception by Quincy Springs late in the quarter ended a promising Bearcats drive, keeping the score at 11-7 in favor of Willamette at halftime.

However, Pacific took control with Brody Bantolina's 44-yard touchdown run, switching the lead to 14-11. The Bearcats' drive was nullified by a holding penalty after Jerrick Little's 46-yard kickoff return, stalling their momentum. Keaton Smith connected with Stephen Shinberg for a 53-yard touchdown pass, extending Pacific's lead further. Pacific concluded the quarter leading 21-11.

In the fourth quarter, the Bearcats' drive was halted by a fumble recovered by Pacific's Rayne Passi, shifting possession. Brody Bantolina's 44-yard rushing touchdown extended Pacific's lead. A 67-yard pass from Luke Rasmussen to Snodgrass set up a 27-yard field goal by Beswick-Seidl for the Bearcats. However, Lucas Voss capped Pacific's scoring with a 21-yard touchdown run, sealing the game's outcome at 35-14 and a Pacific win.

Snodgrass carried the ball 15 times for 87 yards and added a touchdown, also contributing with a 67-yard reception. Beswick-Seidl converted both of his field goal attempts, including a long of 37 yards. On the defensive end, Javi Rodriguez and Josh Houfek each recorded eight tackles to lead the team in that category.

The Bearcats are 1-6 overall and 0-4 in conference play. Pacific holds a 2-5 overall record and is 1-3 in conference competition.

In their next game, the Bearcats will face George Fox on Saturday, November 1st in Salem, Oregon. The action is slated to begin at 1 p.m.