Contact: Mark Albanese, Director of Sports Communication

SALEM, Ore. – The Pacific Lutheran University football team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back on Saturday afternoon, emerging from McCulloch Stadium with a 27-14 victory over Northwest Conference rival and host Willamette University.

The visiting Lutes (2-3, 2-2 NWC) wasted little time getting on the scoreboard with quarterback Cole Chandler finding Jacob King for a 46-yard touchdown strike on PLU's first play from scrimmage. A three-yard run from Ethan McElderry bumped PLU's lead to 14-0 with 8:53 left in the second quarter with McElderry's run capping off a 15-play, 64-yard drive. For the Willamette offensive it was a case of deja vu just before the half with Travis McMillion returning an interception for a touchdown for the second straight season against the Bearcats (0-6, 0-4 NWC). McMillion returned the pick 51 yards for the score with 64 seconds left in the half as the Lutes enjoyed a 21-0 lead at the halftime intermission.

DJ Winter padded the Lute lead with a 32-yard touchdown reception in PLU's first drive of the second half, mushrooming the advantage to 27-0. The host Bearcats broke up the shutout in the fourth quarter, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes but it wasn't enough as the Lutes held on for the 27-14 victory.

The Lutes were able to grind the ball on the ground all day, racking up a season-high 205 rushing yards. Chandler led the way with 57 yards on 14 attempts while Marc Gallant and Wesley Nixon racked up 50 and 48 yards, respectively. Chandler completed five passes for 150 yards and two scores with King the top target with two catches for 77 yards and a score.

Carson Ketter finished with 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup, as the defense clamped down and only yielded 126 yards through the air while forcing three turnovers. McMillion was a menace all game for the Lutes, finishing with five tackles and two interceptions. McMillion nearly had two pick sixes on the day but a clipping call brought back his second run back as the defensive back finished with 76 return yards.

The Lutes return to Sparks Stadium next Saturday, hosting seventh-ranked Linfield College. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.