Whitworth’s varsity football team came up short to the Linfield Wildcats, falling 7-34 in the Northwest Conference championship on Nov. 16. This tough loss at home was the first time playing against Linfield since their matchup in the 2023 season, where the Pirates made a comeback from behind to win 28-24 for the same championship.
For defensive coordinator Mac Shaw, the loss came following some minor struggles that Linfield exposed and exploited. As Whitworth entered this game undefeated while Linfield came in with an 8-1 record, this matchup was sure to be a challenge for the Bucs.
“[Linfield has] been a team over the last two years that’s won a lot of games and had a lot of success. So, when you are playing from behind and trying to fight back, that’s good for us in general, but it’s challenging,” said Shaw.
Evan Liggett, a fifth-year senior and wide receiver, explains that the team struggled to keep their performance consistent, even as they fought through challenges on both offense and defense. “We came out to the field ready to go. I scored the first drive, and then from there, I feel like our energy dipped a little bit.”
He explains that the team expected to have an easier time responding to Linfield’s scores but soon found themselves facing a “wall of adversity,” unable to convert for first downs or gain steady momentum. Looking specifically at the offense, Liggett expresses that he believes they struggled to adjust properly during certain moments of the game.
“I think Linfield humbled us a little bit, and I think that’s what we needed. So now we’re gonna go in there, and I think [to] try and prove to the rest of the country, and the rest of the teams in the playoffs, that we’re not just gonna roll over.”
Despite their shortcomings in the Northwest Conference championship, Whitworth’s football players and coaches remain optimistic about their post-season prospects. The Pirates hosted their first playoff game against the 8-2 Pomona-Pitzer on Saturday, Nov. 23. Coach Shaw notes several improvements the team looks to make ahead of their upcoming game, saying, “I think we need to get back to controlling the line of scrimmage.” He also highlights the importance of playing a more cohesive and well-rounded game overall.
Whitworth’s team will have to refine its offense and find ways to put points on the board if they want to secure this victory over Pomona-Pitzer. “I think offensively, we can make a lot of changes. Scoring seven points like we did last week is not gonna win you many football games,” said Liggett. He mentions that reviewing their film and correcting the mistakes from their loss against Linfield will play a huge part in starting this game off on the right foot.
Both Shaw and Liggett share that they have no concerns over shaken confidence heading into their first playoff matchup. “I think all of our players are ready to go, and honestly — if anything — it just fueled us a little bit more,” said Liggett. With a shift in tone and a reminder that each game demands passion and perseverance, the team hopes this first-round playoff game will be the start of a successful postseason.
