Pirates Nearly Overcome 23-3 Deficit

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Whitworth University was unable to overcome a 23-3 third quarter deficit and fell to visiting University of Redlands 29-24 in a non-conference college football game on Saturday afternoon at the Whitworth Pine Bowl.

The Bulldogs (2-0) dominated the first half defensively, holding an Adam Anderson-less Pirate offense to 64 total yards. But Whitworth (1-2) was able to get the offense going in the second half.

Dan Selway, the 2007 SCIAC Offensive Player of the Year, completed 24 of 37 passes for 255 yards with two touchdowns and two second half interceptions to lead Redlands. He also ran two times for 28 yards and a score. Daylan Swedlow carried 27 times for 132 rushing yards, and Brian Putnam was the Bulldogs leading receiver with eight catches for 76 yards and a score.

But as good as the Redlands offense was, the Bulldog defense was stronger in the first half. Josh Cunningham had three first half sacks, while Mike Nicolini had a sack on Whitworth's first possession that forced a fumble and led to a quick 9-0 lead.

That was after Redlands returned the opening kickoff 50 yards, leading to a 40 yard scoring drive. Selway passed 12 yards to Putman for the score.

The Pirate defense held after the sack and fumble, forcing Redlands to kick a 34 yard field goal.

The Whitworth defense actually kept the team within shouting distance as the offense struggled. The Pirates had only 18 yards in the first quarter, but the Bulldogs could not take advantage of some good field possession and missed two second quarter field goals. Redlands finally got on the board again with 3:12 left in the half when Selway ran up the middle for a 26 yard score.

But the Pirate offense finally found life, going 51 yards and getting to the Redlands' 11 yard line before Andy Largent kicked a 28 yard field goal on the final play of the half.

Redlands had outgained the Pirates 187-64 at halftime.

Things looked their worst for Whitworth early in the second half. After a quick punt by the Pirates, Redlands drove 65 yards in seven plays to increase the lead to 23-3. Selway finished the drive with a 13-yard pass to Evan Reuter.

When Redlands got the ball back again, Whitworth's Nick Ashley intercepted Selway at the Pirates' 42 yard line and Whitworth had gotten the spark it needed. The Bucs drove 52 yards and scored on Andrew Durant's 17 yard pass to Dale Entel to pull within 23-10.

A 31-yard pass moved Redlands deep into Pirate territory again, but again the Bulldogs went to the air once too often and Paul Werhane intercepted Selway at the Whitworth 22 yard line. The Bucs drove 78 yards in 11 plays, converting a fourth and one with a 34 yard pass from Durant to tight end Justin Wimberly inside the Bulldogs' red zone. Milton Nelson punched in from two yards out and Whitworth was within 23-17 with 12:06 to play.

But Redlands answered with a time consuming drive. Finally going away from the pass, the Bulldogs turned to Swedlow who carried eight times in the 12-play possession. He scored from six yards away to give Redlands some breathing room, despite a missed PAT.

Whitworth was not done as the Pirates moved 61 yards and scored on Durant's 20 yard pass to Eric Entel with 2:53 to play.

The Bucs elected to kick off, rather than try an on-sides kick. Swedlow broke free for 28 yards on the first play. Then another first down allowed Redlands to run out the clock.

Redlands outgained Whitworth 428-290, including a 173-47 edge in rushing yards. The Pirates clearly missed the services of their All-American running back Anderson.

But Durant, a sophomore, had his best day as a Whitworth QB. He completed 25 of 41 passes for 243 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. After the four first-half sacks, Durant was able to avoid the Bulldogs' rush and even scampered 14 yards on fourth down during the final scoring drive.

Eric Entel and Dale Entel had nine and seven catches, respectively.

Ian Sluss led the Redlands defense with 11 tackles, while Rudy Vidales had nine stops for the Bulldogs.

Whitworth's Matt McDermott and Robert Schaefer had seven tackles each.

Whitworth will return to the Pine Bowl next Saturday to host Chapman in the annual Homecoming and Hall of Fame celebration.

Redlands is off for a week before opening SCIAC play against La Verne on October 3rd at home.