Football preview: Pacific at Whitworth

Boxers at Pirates

Kickoff: Saturday, 1 p.m. at the Pine Bowl

Record: Whitworth (6-1, 3-1 NWC), Pacific (5-2, 3-1)

TV/Radio: SWX, KSBN 1230-AM

Overview: The Pirates come in after a crushing 52-10 defeat at No. 2 Linfield. The Boxers, which lost 77-10 to the same Wildcats on Oct 10, had a come-from-behind 29-24 win last week against Willamette. Even after the crushing loss to the Wildcats, the Pirates have caused damage early in games. So far this season, the Pirates have outscored their opponents 155-38 in the first half. The Boxers are led by senior quarterback Warner Shaw, who has completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 1,809 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s countered by sophomore Ian Kolste, who has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,799 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite the impressive passing numbers from Shaw, Whitworth coach Rod Sandberg said the Boxers always try to establish the run. The two teams battled to a 29-15 Pacific victory last year in Forest Grove, Oregon. But the Pirates had one touchdown called back by penalty, they had a drive stall at the 1-yard line and had two others end with field goals.