For most programs, the loss of the star quarterback could derail a team and set them back as they try to fill the hole that was left. That has not been the case this year. Junior Leif Erickson, from Kalispell, Montana has stepped up and led the Bucs to a  4-0 record to start the season. Through his four starts this year, Leif has tallied six touchdowns and thrown for over one-thousand yards with only three interceptions.

Erickson spent his first two years playing behind record-setting graduate Ian Kolste with an increasing responsibility his sophomore year.

“Playing behind him (Kolste) is one of the best things that could have happened in my first two years here. His demeanor in every game no matter the situation was the same. He always had a calming presence about him and he was always having fun. This is something I worked hard to implement into my game,” Erickson said.

Erickson made appearances in eight games last year as the main backup for Kolste. He threw for four-hundred yards and four touchdowns during that time.

“The coaches pushed me and showed me that I had shown great potential, but I had a long road of hard work in front of me before I can play at a consistently high level,” Erickson said.

Thus far his consistency has not been in question as he holds a pass efficiency rating of 137 through his first three games and has thrown for touchdowns in every game. Erickson attributes this to the the players around him. The stellar defense and tools at his disposal have allowed him to take calculated risks which have been paying off.

“The ten guys that surround me everyday do their jobs so well it makes mine a lot easier,” Erickson said.

This past Saturday the Bucs played away at George Fox in their first non-conference away game. After a slow first quarter the Bucs scored  their way to a 38-14 victory. Leif Erickson ended with 254 passing yards along with one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown. Saturday’s win put the Bucs solidly atop the NWC’s standings.

The next game will be versus PLU on Saturday, Oct 13 at the Pine Bowl.