MCMINNVILLE -- Pacific outscored Linfield in two of the four quarters Saturday.
But the Boxers dug themselves too big of a hole in the first quarter of a 42-27 loss at Linfield.
The undefeated and No. 9 ranked Wildcats raced out to a 23-0 lead in the first quarter, scoring on the ground with a 42-yard touchdown run, through the air with a 61-yard pass and on defense with a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown. Linfied also added a 36-yard field goal.
Pacific got on the scoreboard with 4:03 remaining in the second quarter when quarterback
Braeden Titus connected with Isiah Pitre for a 19-yard touchdown pass.
Linfield added a 26-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining in the first half to take a 26-7 lead into halftime. The Wildcats then scored two more touchdowns in the third quarter to expand their lead to 39-7.
Titus found tight end
Braeden Lowe for a 36-yard touchdown to get Pacific within 39-14 entering the fourth quarter. Titus added two more touchdown passes in the final period, connecting with Pitre and then
Tyler Penn.
Titus completed 16 of 35 passes for 209 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Brody Bantolina led the Boxers on the ground, rushing for 106 yards on 16 carries.
Pacific was outgained by Linfield 487 yards to 352.
Hunter Brown and
Niko Iosefa each recorded six tackles to lead the Boxer defense.
Carter Atkins had five tackles, including three sacks.
Jesse Stroede had an interception and
Raynne Passi forced a fumble.
Next, Pacific hosts Willamette next Saturday at 4 p.m. in its final home game.
For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on
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