The Pacific University Boxers ended the season on a down note losing to the Puget Sound Loggers, 38-20. The game started as if the Boxers would score often as they went 14-0 in the first quarter on two Bronson Baretto touchdowns from the one and the three yard lines. But, the Loggers quickly made it 14 all with two TD passes from quarterback Hans Fortune. The Boxers scored to take the lead back at 20-14 with a 34 yard pass from Warner Shaw to Nathan Suyematsu but the Loggers scored before the half to take the lead on a third TD pass from Fortune and keep it for the rest of the game. The half-time score was 21-20, Puget Sound. The Boxers were held scoreless in the second half as Puget Sound scored 24 unanswered points from the second quarter onward. Hans Fortune ended with five touchdown passes for the game.

There were still plenty to celebrate as the Boxers had their third winning season in a row. The last time Pacific University accomplished that was the middle of the twentieth century or around 65 years ago. The long drought was in part due to the university not having a football program between 1991 and 2009. This current program has played in only six seasons. To have reached a three year winning streak in such a short time is a testament to their coach Keith Buckley.

The Boxers also had several players set season records. Bronson Barretto scored two touchdowns to set the new total record at fifteen for the year. The same two touchdowns also helped Bronson set the rushing touchdown record at thirteen for the season and total points scored in a season at 92. Bronson also set new season records in kick-off returns(31), kick-off return yardage(784) and all-purpose yardage(1747). Warner Shaw joined the club throwing one touchdown pass for the new record of 23 in a season. Nathan Suyematsu set new records in single season catches (73) and yardage(1098). All three players consistently shined week in and week out in making outstanding plays that were a part of the team effort that led to the winning season.

For the season, Dalton Schwetz led the defense with 67 tackles (42 solo) and was followed by Avery Richardson (56, 20 solo) and Trey Kodama (55, 27 solo). Jeff Bajema totaled seven sacks for 47 yards of loss. Jeff was joined with Trey (5.5/33 yards) and Xavier Harvey (5/22 yards). In all, the team will lose 20 seniors that helped the program establish itself quickly and turn itself from a new program to an established one.

Things will look bright for the Boxers next year as key players will return. Avery Richardson, the team’s second leading tackler will come back as one of next year’s seniors and linebackers. Max Look, who had 27 tackles, ten solo and an interception, comes back next year as a junior cornerback. Trey Kodama, the team’s third leading tackler, return’s as a fifth year senior linebacker. Greg Alip who was the third leading rusher, also returns as a fifth year senior. Jeff Bajema (DL), who was the Boxer’s sack leader, comes back for his senior season.

The Pacific University Boxers ended the season at fourth place in the conference. The Puget Sound Loggers earned the third spot with the win.

By Greg Stoker
#GDStoker