MCMINNVILLE, Ore. - A trick play put the Pacific Lutheran University football team in front of 24^th-ranked Linfield College early before the Wildcat defense kept the Lutes in check the rest of the day, falling 41-7 in a Northwest Conference tilt at Maxwell Field.
 
The homestanding Wildcats (5-2, 4-1 NWC) drew first blood with a 26-yard field goal with 5:28 left in the opening quarter. The Lutes (3-4, 2-3 NWC) quickly answered with a reverse pass on the second play of the ensuing drive with Ethan McElderry hitting Jace Keim for a 72-yard score. An Alex Brost point after gave PLU the short-lived 7-3 lead with Linfield matching down and scoring just two minutes later to seize a 10-7 lead. The Wildcats would add 10 more points in the second quarter to enjoy a 20-7 edge at the halftime intermission.

"It was a tough loss today but we showed improvement by starting fast with early defensive takeaways and the offense getting on the board with a big play," said Head Coach Brant McAdams.  "We're in a very good conference and took on two rop ranked teams within a three-week stretch. To compete at that level, we've got to extend drives on offense and eliminate the big play on defense."
 
Matt Anthony finished with eight tackles and one TFL to lead the Lute defense while Hunter Briggs had seven takedowns. Hajriz Aliu racked up 1.5 sacks while Parker Bowles picked off his first pass of the year. 
 
Anthony Louthan had a busy day with 11 punts for 423 yards, blasting two longer than 50-yards and pinning the Wildcats inside the 20-yard line on three occasions. 
 
The Lutes return home next Saturday to Sparks Stadium, hosting George Fox University on Homecoming and Senior Day.

"Every week is going to be tough competition in the NWc so we'll get back to it and work to play our best game next week at home for senior day and alumni weekend."