Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond

SALEM, Ore. – Cole Chandler scored three touchdowns powering the Pacific Lutheran University football team to 30-10 victory over host Willamette University on Saturday, keeping the Lutes undefeated in Northwest Conference play. 

Travis McMillion got the Lutes (3-1, 2-0 NWC) on the board just 56 seconds into the game, returning an interception 32 yards to the endzone for an early 7-0 edge. Dallan Rodriguez added a field goal midway through the first before Chandler got rolling in the second quarter.

Chandler took off and scored on a 14-yard run early in the second before connecting with Kellen Westering on a one yard touchdown pass with :26 seconds left in the first half. Chandler was at it again late in the fourth quarter, punching it into the end zone from one yard out to cement the win.

The two quarterback system continues to be effective for the Lutes. Jon Schaub was 13-24 for 86 passing yards. Chandler did his damage on the ground rushing 12 times for 76 yards and two touchdowns as the Lutes racked up 225 of their 338 total yards on the ground. Marc Gallant rushed for 80 yards on 14 attempts. Darin Hardgrove finished with 67 yards on 12 attempts.

Willamette (2-3, 1-1 NWC), coming off a 63-point performance against the University of Puget Sound last Saturday, was limited to just 293 total yards of offense and 10 points. Travis McMillion spearheaded the defense with nine tackles and two interceptions while Derek Chase and Carson Ketter also managed three tackles on the day.

The Lutes return home to Sparks Stadium next Saturday for homecoming, hosting Whitworth University at 1 p.m.