Lewis and Clark beats Pacific Lutheran 34-32

The Lewis and Clark Pioneers remain undefeated after a 34-32 nail-biting victory over the Pacific Lutheran Lutes today. The team turned it on in the second half, scoring 27 pts and holding PLU to just 12. After a blindingly quick first 2 scores, PLU was up 14-0 and the Pioneers looked to be caught off guard by the Lutes. The Pios trailed 20-7 at the half. LC scored on the first drive of the 2nd half, which was followed by a PLU score. After a turnover was committed by either team, Lewis and Clark took the lead 27-26 early in the 4th quarter, and for the first time in the game. PLU turned the ball over on downs after trying a fake punt on 4th and 18, which was followed by a Lewis and Clark touchdown. LC led 34-26 when the Lutes scored to bring themselves within a chance to tie. Withe the score 34-32 PLU attempted a 2 point conversion which was a pass from Zack Halverson- it failed.Senior Chris Kelly fielded the ensuing onside kick from PLU for a 17 yard return, and Lewis and Clark kneeled the ball to run out the clock on their first victory over PLU since 1989. The Pios advance to 7-0 on the season and have guaranteed themselves a spot playing for the conference championship against Linfield. Next week the Pios take on Willamette at home in their last home game of the season, the senior game for the group of guys who were 1-8 their freshman year. Lewis and Clark rushed for 202 yards, while holding PLU to only 71 yds. 121 of those pioneer rushing yards were a result of the effort of the Pio offensive line in conjunction with their running back Joevante Mayes (Sr.) Curtis Shirey had 2 rushing TD's, Mayes with 1 rushing. Welch threw for 2, one to Shawn Evans and one to Andrew Frisina who made a shoestring catch. The Pioneer defense stepped up yet again, holding the Lutes to just 6 of 13 on 3rd down, sacking Halverson 3 times and forcing a fumble and an interception.