TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University football team heads east to Spokane to battle against defending Northwest Conference Champion Whitworth University this Saturday.
 
Last weekend, the Lutes (1-5, 0-4 NWC)  stayed in the game against 24th-ranked Linfield College, going into half-time down 14-3. But the talented Wildcats scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter, resulting in a 42-10 setback.
 
Senior center Logan Black, an All-League selection last season,  had a great performance earning him offensive player of the week for the Lutes. 
 
"I thought we played really well and thought we played our hearts out. We gave it everything we had out there. Going into half-time only down 14-3 against the #24 team in the nation shows something. Being a really young team, we played with a lot of fire, effort, and intensity" said Black. "At the end of the day, they got the dub, but we did a lot of good things that game and there are a lot of things we can build on."
 
As a first year captain, Black has been nothing short than a phenomenal leader and role model for such a young team.
 
"It's a new experience for me being a captain, not something I have done a lot in the past. It has been a bit of a learning experience at the beginning of the season, but I feel like I made a lot of strides just trying to lead a bunch of the young guys and show them the PLU Football way and getting them to buy into all the great things it has to offer."
 
Logan Black had "bigger than football" preparation and goals this year going into the season.
 
"Of course I wanted to get bigger, faster, and stronger. But as a senior I wanted to help lead the team to put us in the best position possible," said Black. "My biggest goal, being my last year, was to just have fun with it. If you're not having fun, I don't know why you're playing. I think so far I have accomplished that goal of just having a great time no matter the record."
 
With three games remaining, to Black, it is important to finish this season strong.
 
"The biggest thing for me now, with playoffs out of the picture is to embrace these young guys, teach them everything that I know, get them ready for next year to help the Lute legacy live on and hopefully set these guys up to have a better season next year."
 
The senior Geoscience major is less than seven months away from moving onto his next journey in life.
 
"Community and the football team is the biggest reason I chose PLU. The time and friendships that I have made while here at PLU are priceless."
 
The Lutes have had a great week of practice this week preparing for their five hour road trip east to take on Whitworth. They hope to upset the Pirates and capture their first win since week one.
 
"Whitworth just came off a tough loss against UPS. I think they are going to be a vulnerable team that we can take advantage of if we execute. It is important that we come out hot with a lot of intensity and focus to get on them fast." Said Logan "A big key is to stay consistent throughout the whole game and playing four full quarters."
 
Only three games remaining the Lutes football team remains positive and ready to play some football.
 
"The rest of the season it is important that no matter what happens we just keep playing and keep our head up. Go into every game with the attitude that we are going to win."
 
Nov. 2: PLU vs. Whitworth in Spokane, Washington (1 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes enjoy a 51-23 edge in the all-time series that dates back to the 1931 season. Whitworth has won the last four encounters, including a 55-13 victory last season inside the Pine Bowl in Spokane.
 
About the Pirates: Whitworth (4-2, 3-1 NWC) had its 15-game conference winning streak snapped, falling 34-23 on the road to the University of Puget Sound. The host Loggers controlled possession in the game, holding the ball for almost 35 minutes while winning the turnover battle after forcing four Pirate turnovers.
 
Whitworth's high-octane offense put up 50 points in the season opener against the University of La Verne, 82 against Willamette University in the NWC opener and 68 against Lewis & Clark College.
 
Leif Ericksen, who didn't play against UPS, has thrown for 1,240 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. Brayden Corona is the Pirates' top running back with 312 yards on the season while wide receiver Andrew Meredith has 326 yards and six touchdowns.