NEWBERG, Ore. — George Fox University overcame a rough start and stormy conditions Saturday to defeat the University of Puget Sound 48-23 in a Northwest Conference football matchup at Stoffer Family Stadium.
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The Bruins (2-5, 2-2 NWC) trailed early after a safety, and a quick Puget Sound touchdown gave the Loggers (1-6, 1-3 NWC) a 9-0 lead in the opening minutes. Quarterback JJ Leman’s fumble in the end zone led to the safety, and UPS capitalized on the ensuing possession with a one-yard touchdown run from Dre Dukes.
Leman responded with a rushing touchdown to put George Fox on the board, but the Loggers extended their lead to 16-7 with another scoring drive midway through the first quarter.
From that point, George Fox took control. Leman connected with receiver Sheyden Iokia for an eight-yard touchdown, trimming the deficit to 16-14. The Bruins took their first lead before halftime when kicker Ben Rembisz converted a 24-yard field goal to make it 17-16.
The Bruins’ defense helped swing momentum early in the second half. Cornerback Sam Astor intercepted Puget Sound quarterback Hayden Teer and returned the ball to the four-yard line, setting up a short touchdown run by running back Taylor Saben.
Saben added a 59-yard rush later in the third quarter that led to another Rembisz field goal, pushing the lead to 27-16. Leman followed with his second rushing touchdown, but Puget Sound cut the margin to 34-23 on a 75-yard pass from Teer to receiver Isaac Tran to close the third quarter.
George Fox sealed the win with two fourth-quarter scores. Leman added his third rushing touchdown, and Saben broke the program record for career touchdowns with his 25th, finishing the game with 158 rushing yards and two scores.
Leman completed 17 of 32 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown, adding 76 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Iokia caught six passes for 53 yards and a touchdown, while freshman receiver Karsen Denault recorded four catches for 68 yards.
The Bruins’ defense held Puget Sound to minus-33 rushing yards. Defensive lineman Kuyper Assink led the effort with three sacks, and Jacob Erickson recovered a fumble.
Head coach Spencer Crace said the team battled through the conditions to earn its second straight win.
“Our guys persevered through a very sloppy game,” Crace said. “A lot to clean up, but I’m proud of our grit. The defense played lights out today, and our defensive line got after the quarterback.”
George Fox will travel to Salem next week to face Willamette University (1-6, 0-4 NWC). Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday.
George Fox Athletics’s Antonio Arredondo contributed to the reporting for this article.
