Puyallup, Wash. - The Simpson football team headed north and took on DIII opponent Pacific Lutheran University today at Sparks Stadium.
With a blink of an eye, the Lutes struck fast as they returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown to take the early 7-0 lead as the Lutes' offense went on to score on two out of its three offensive possessions in the first quarter to take the commanding 21-0 lead.
However, the Simpson defense created a huge turnover as
Shaquille Brookins caused a fumble and pounced on the rock to give the Simpson offense stellar field position in Lutes territory.
The Simpson offense took advantage of the turnover and cashed in six points as
Kaleb Anderson connected with wideout
Nathaniel Monticelli for a 10-yard touchdown reception, followed by a good extra point by kicker
Brayden Smith to make it a 28-7 game.
The Red Hawks' defense made another big stand on the Lutes' first offensive possession of the second half as linebacker
Palenapa Mataafa made a huge tackle for loss on a 4th and 1 play to give the Simpson offense the ball at midfield.
Once again, the Simpson offense continued the momentum. Following a 28-yard scamper by the quarterback Anderson, running back
Eli Cortinas found the endzone as he pounded in a three-yard touchdown run to cut the lead in half, 28-14, following the point after by Smith.
But the Lutes answered back as they found the endzone on their next two offensive possession to make it a 42-14 game.
Simpson's defense displayed one last highlight reel as
Kasey Mena notched a tackle for loss to put the ball on the Lutes' one-yard line, followed by back-to-back tackles by
Peter Babineaux to stuff the Lutes' in their own endzone for a safety to end the game.
Kaleb Anderson had an impressive day under center as he completed 65% for 123 yards through the air with one touchdown while leading the ground attack with 54 yards.
Brookins led the defense with eight tackles, which included seven solo and two forced fumbles.
With the 42-16 loss, Simpson concludes its preseason 0-2 as they head into conference play next week, as they host Mayville State at 7 pm at Bill Johnson Community Field.
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