Numbers fail Clark, but a win results
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The Pirates scored more than 34 points per game against Linfield in 2004 and 2005 and lost by less than two touchdowns per game -- an impressive feat considering the offensive machine that Linfield possessed in former Gagliardi trophy winner Brett Elliott and his All-American receivers.
Both years, Whitworth quarterback Joel Clark was the focal point hanging gaudy numbers on the Wildcats.
In 2004, he passed for 366 yards and rushed for 136 more carrying the Pirates late into the game with a chance to win. A moot point, however, as Linfield won 48-37 and went on to win the national championship.
Last season, Clark hit career highs with 400 yards passing and five touchdowns but again came up short 47-32.
The Pirates seniors knew this season was their last shot at bringing down Goliath of the NWC.
"We definitely had it marked on the calendar," said Clark. "We knew we had to take care of business through Week 9 because the Linfield game would define our season."
On the road in McMinnville, the Pirates actually entered the game with a higher ranking and a better record, but in the NWC, six time defending conference champion Linfield is the favorite until someone beats them.
The Pirates didn't get the record book performance from Clark that fans have grown accustomed to in this game. In fact they may have seen his worst performance in a Whitworth uniform. The senior quarterback completed just two of 10 passes for 51 yards and ran for nine. He fumbled four times losing only one.
While Clark struggled, the Whitworth defense exceeded all expectations.
Led by juniors Casey Clifton and Jay Tully, the Pirate defense forced seven turnovers including five fumbles in the torrential downpour. Clifton's 38-yard fumble return gave Whitworth a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
"The crowd was unbelievable and the weather was horrible," said Clark.
This year the Pirates led entering the fourth quarter 17-10, thanks to Clark's 23-yard scamper for a touchdown in the third quarter. But the game wasn't secure until the final minutes. Clark's fumble with 2:16 left opened a door for Linfield that these Whitworth seniors had been trying to slam shut for three years.
The Wildcats went four-and-out and Whitworth ran out the rest of the clock for a 17-13 victory. It snapped the Wildcats' 27-game NWC winning streak dating to 2001.
"I don't think coach would have let me on the bus had they scored that last touchdown," Clark said about his late fumble.
The win snapped the Pirates' 13-game losing streak to Linfield dating back to 1975 and was the team's first ever win in McMinnville. Unlike years passed, Whitworth didn't get the flashy statistics, being outgained 329-85, but they made the big plays when they mattered.
If the Pirates can avoid a letdown after this emotional win, they will be able to don a new label for 2006: NWC Champions.
Rory likes to score-y
Puget Sound running back Rory Lee will likely never forget his last game at Baker Stadium. The senior put up an incredible display of offensive production on Saturday in the Loggers 48-7 victory over Menlo. He shattered two school records in rushing 28 times for 310 yards and a whopping seven touchdowns. Lee scored on runs of 21, 45, 8, 44, 20, 5 and 1 yard. No word if he will play those seven numbers in the Washington State lottery this week.
Dutch do overtime
Central's 31-28 double overtime win over Coe on Saturday was the third overtime game of the season for Central. They have won their last four games that have gone longer than the standard four frames. The Dutch are 8-2 all-time in overtime games.
Regular season streaking
While it is a somewhat meaningless statistic it should be noted that several teams in the West Region are winning consistently in the regular season. Occidental claims the longest regular season winning streak in the country at 25 games. St. John's is close behind with 20 straight victories. Central has logged 16 straight regular season wins. Look for all three teams to be major players in the postseason.
Action Jackson
Dubuque quarterback Jermar Jackson scored all four Spartan touchdowns in a 27-25 victory over Buena Vista. It was the Spartans' first win over the Beavers in 16 tries. Jackson rushed for 114 yards and four scores on 25 carries, and also passed for 213 yards on 15-of-36 passing to six receivers.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
Bethel brothers Kirby and Brandon Carr have done a little bit of everything for the Royals this season. On Saturday Kirby finished with five tackles including one tackle for loss and a forced fumble while also throwing a 52-yard touchdown of offense. Brandon had four tackles, four pass breakups, and two interceptions, one for a touchdown. After a surprising loss to Carleton, the Royals have won five in a row and will go as far as these Carr brothers can take them.
One-liners
• Carleton's Matt Frank had a school record 14 receptions for 166 yards.
• Willamette forced seven turnovers in their 61-14 victory over Lewis & Clark.
• St. Olaf's win ensured three straight seven-win seasons for the first time since 1969-1971.
• UW-Platteville running back Mike Genslinger rushed for 285 yards last week but was limited to 45 this week.
• Concordia Moorhead was averaging 217 yards rushing this season before Gustavus held them to 87 on Saturday.
Game to Watch
Bethel at No. 3 St. John's Collegeville, Minn., 1 p.m.:
Just like 2003, the Johnnies and Royals are back to decide the MIAC title. St. John's has at least a share of it clinched and needs to drop the Royals to win the conference outright and the automatic bid. Bethel has one loss in conference to Carleton but has won five in a row. The Johnnies and Royals are first and second in team defense and second and third in team offense. This game should come down to Phil Porta's legs versus Alex Kofoed's arm on offense and a smash mouth battle between these two stingy defenses. Home field advantage will be huge for St. John's as the Royals have struggled there since losing 29-26 in 2003.