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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Whitworth

Whitworth may witness snowy finale

Whitworth University (Whitworth University)
John Tully is in his 18th year as Whitworth’s football coach and he can’t recall his team playing on a snowy field at the Pine Bowl. That could change Saturday afternoon when the Pirates (6-3, 2-3 Northwest Conference) entertain Lewis & Clark (4-4, 1-4) in the season finale at 12:30. A win would give Whitworth its best record since going 8-2 in 2007 and a probable fourth-place finish in the NWC standings. Sidelines, hash marks, goal-lines and selected yard-lines will be shoveled, Tully said. “But I would think there will be some snow on the field to start the game. “Obviously, for both offenses it slows it down a little bit,” he added. “It’s supposed to be a nice day, even though it’ll be chilly, but it’ll be the team that can secure the football and make a few big plays. I’ve talked to the guys about (possibly playing in snow) and they’re looking forward to it. Nate Guthrie said in all the years he’s lived here he’s never played a game in the snow.” Guthrie is one of five seniors who will be honored prior to the game. The East Valley High product has started on the offensive line for three years. Colby Davis (Central Valley) has been a key backup on the offensive front. Ronnie Thomas is trying to become the NWC rushing leader for the second straight season. Scott Carr (Lakeland High) has 31 tackles and two interceptions this season. Thomas and Carr are team captains. Senior Jake DeGooyer has eight touchdown receptions and needs 83 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. “They’ve really been great guys,” Tully said of the seniors. “They can look back on their careers and say they’ve really made a difference and helped advance the program.” Lewis & Clark started 4-0, but has dropped its last four, the closest setback by 17 points. Three of L&C’s wins are against teams currently 0-8. “If we could end up 7-3, that would be terrific,” Tully said. “Before we got into league we’d lost so many players to season ending injuries, but our guys continued to compete and we’ve usually played at a pretty high level.”