Pacific University opened up the 2021 spring football season with a 26 - 3 win versus George Fox in Newberg on Friday night. Senior quarterback Kenyon Harris led the Boxers completing 16 of the 18 passes he attempted with 3 passing touchdowns, while senior running back Joshua Harris rushed for 131 yards and was responsible for the only rushing touchdown of the game. The win Friday night marks a new era of Boxer football as Ian Falconer claims his first win as head coach.
 
The Boxers (1-0) opened up the scoring on the first drive of the game with a 7 minute, 42 second, 15 play, 75 yard drive that resulted in a Joshua Harris 8 yard rushing touchdown. During the opening drive, Pacific found success in the passing game going 4 for 4 for 30 yards. The longest play of the opening drive came on a Harris pass that connected with senior wide receiver Ty Hargis for 15 yards.

The Boxers tallied 381 yards of total offense in a balanced attack with 206 coming through the air and 175 on the ground. The Boxers had 6 different receivers get involved. Senior receiver Ty Hargis led the way for the Boxer receivers with 9 receptions amounting to a total of 99 yards.

The Bruins (0-1) recorded 276 yards of total offense in the loss including 196 through the air. Quarterback Haiden Schaan completed 18 of 36 passes for 196 yards and no touchdowns in the loss. Receiver Alex Garrett led the way for the Bruins receivers with 7 catches for 103 yards.
 
Following a George Fox punt to start the second quarter, the Boxers found success in the air.  Boxer quarterback Kenyon Harris connected with Kash Taylor for what would be the longest play of the game, a 53-yard completion for a touchdown followed by a Caden Almer extra point that was successful.
 
On the ensuing drive, the Bruins put together a 70-yard drive that left them with 3^rd and goal on the 5-yard line. Bayley-Allen Manliguis was able to get his hands on the 3^rd down pass and pull in the interception in the end zone resulting in the Boxers first take away of the 2021 spring season.

The Bruins were able to kick a 24-yard field goal with 1:08 remaining in the first half to get on the scoreboard prior to the intermission.
 
The Boxers defense returned in the second half right where they left off forcing a quick 3 and out during the Bruins first possession. In their second possession of the half for the Bruins, the Boxer defense forced another turnover when sophomore defensive lineman Noah Steverson was able to force a fumble at the Pacific two-yard line resulting in a touchback and Pacific football.
 
Following the turnover by the Bruins, the Boxers put together a 14 play, 80-yard drive capped off by a 20-yard touchdown reception by Isaiah Pitre on a 3^rd and 6 play from just inside the red zone.
  
Following another 3 and out forced by the Boxer defense, the offense got to work and scored once more with a 24-yard connection to Ty Hargis for his first touchdown of the new campaign. The Boxer offense during this drive used an attack consisting of 7 rushing plays and 4 passing plays in order to take 5 minutes and 45 seconds off the clock.
 
When asked following the game about how proud he was with his team playing in their first game since November 16^th, 2019, head coach Ian Falconer said, "Like many of us, these kids have been through so much. They continually have responded to life's challenges with good, positive choices and tonight was no different! Through this rollercoaster of a year, they have continually decided to create a culture rooted in the football family and constant growth."

Pacific will face George Fox to wrap up the season on April 9^th with scheduled kickoff at 7 P.M. at home in Hanson Stadium.