SALEM, Ore. - The Red Hawks took on D3 opponent Willamette University Bearcats today in Salem, OR at McCulloch Stadium. 

Running back Ezekiel Anderson picked up the Red Hawk's first down of the game on the second play of the drive as he busted out an 11-yard run. 

The Red Hawks converted on a huge fourth and short situation on a 23-yard gain from quarterback Kaleb Anderson to move into Bearcat's territory. 

An Anderson-to-Anderson connection put the Red Hawks knocking at the Bearcat's five-yard line on the opening drive. 

The Red Hawks capped off the 12-play 72-yard drive on a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver James Webster. 

This marked the first lead in Simpson University history as they marched down the field to take the early lead. 

The Red Hawk's defense picked up its first turnover of the day on the Bearcat's opening possession as Devin Quinn picked off an under-thrown pass. 

But the Red Hawks defense continued to suffocate the Willamette offense as they forced a safety on the Bearcat's second possession. 

A tackle for loss by Cemuel Sandal, followed by a forced fumble by Devin Quinn helped set up a disruptive play by the Red Hawks front seven as the Bearcats fell on the ball in its own end zone to extend Simpson's lead, 9-0. 

The Bearcat's special teams made a huge play as they blocked a 45-yard field goal attempt and returned it for a touchdown to cut the Red Hawks' lead. 

Devin Quinn continued to have himself a day as he picked up his second interception of the game to halt the Bearcat's momentum. 

The Simpson offense continued to stay hot as they capitalized on the interception and marched 63 yards on nine plays capped off by an 8-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kaleb Anderson. 

But the Bearcat's found the end zone right before the half. The Simpson defense stood tall and turned away the Bearcats 2-point conversion to hold the 15-13 lead into halftime. 

The Red Hawks defense forced its third takeaway of the game as Daniel Miles recovered the loose ball near midfield to open the third quarter. 

Backup quarterback Adrian Perez took over for an injured Anderson in the fourth quarter and picked up a critical fourth down conversion as he hit Ezekiel Anderson to move the chains near Bearcat's territory. 

Simpson kicker Tobin Michaud converted on a clutch 30-yard field goal to make it a five-point lead, 18-13. 

However, the Bearcats saved its best for last as they went 72 yards on eight plays to take the late 21-18 lead with just under 30 seconds to play. 

Unfortunately, the Red Hawks could not get anything going as they turned it over on downs to end the game. 

Ezekiel Anderson had himself a day as he rushed for 99 yards on the ground and had a team-high six receptions for 36 yards. 

Devin Quinn had a stellar day on defense as he notched two interceptions and one pass breakup. 

The Red Hawks played a stellar game as they had the lead the whole game until relinquishing it in the final minute. 

The offense picked up 19 first downs on the day and had a season-high 343 yards of total offense. 

The defense had quite the day as well as they forced three turnovers and quieted the Bearcat's offense for much of the game. 

Simpson looks to be back in action on the road on October 12th against Ottawa as they have a bye this week.