Football rolls towards the Wagon Wheel title

Veterans and rookies come together to make a stand at Willamette

By Rocky McNeff /// Staff Writer

The Lewis & Clark football team played their first home game on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Griswold Stadium. The full stands and chants for the players in black and orange were just what the team needed to persevere against the Pacific Lutheran University Lutes.

The Pioneers may not have showed their true strength in number of wins, but their stats say otherwise. Curtis Shirey (’15) returned five kickoffs in the game against the Lutes, accumulating a total of 94 yards. Zac Salois (’15) received five passes for a total of 49 yards. With a plethora of solid first-years debuting this season, the Pios are looking to build a successful winning team; however, building a new team takes time.

“This is one of the most talented freshman classes that we have had since I’ve been here.” The hard work that these new players put in during practice and games is what helps the team get better each day. The future for LC football only looks brighter,” Shirey said.

All sports teams experience years of building and maturing, and these years take hard work and dedication, two qualities the LC football team has demonstrated. This year, the team is focusing on individual games instead of looking at the season as a whole.

“We hope to continue to battle through the final whistle,” Shirey said.

This week the team has focused on one goal—winning the Conestoga Wagon Wheel Game against Willamette University on Saturday, Oct. 18. The Wagon Wheel is a traveling trophy that documents the score of the Pioneers-Bearcats game each year. This game will mark the 21st matchup between the two Oregon teams; 19 of the 20 have been in favor of the Bearcats, with the lone LC victory coming in 2000. LC will look to upset Willamette and take home the Wagon Wheel.

“Even though the game did not go like we planned, our fans continued to support us through the end,” says Shirey.

The next home game for the Pioeers is on Saturday, Oct. 25, against the Linfield College Wildcats.