Pirates control own destiny

Whitworth football coach John Tully put all the chatter about NCAA Division III playoff possibilities into perspective.

The Pirates, Tully suggested, have been in must-win mode for weeks, if not months. A season-opening loss to Redlands narrowed Whitworth’s margin for error and a setback to NAIA Azusa Pacific did more of the same. A loss today to Puget Sound in Tacoma could make for a restless night for the Pirates before the playoff field is announced Sunday morning.

“We’ve been playing in that (must-win) mindset, which is really, really healthy,” Tully said. “Since Azusa, we knew that we had to win out and we’re in a position to do that.”

Whitworth (7-2, 5-0 NWC) wrapped up its second straight conference title with a 10-6 victory over Linfield last Saturday. The Pirates’ playoff fate remains uncertain because the NWC doesn’t receive an automatic bid.

Asked if it’s as simple as win and Whitworth is in or lose and Whitworth is out, Tully said, “If we win, yeah, we’re in. I don’t know about the latter.”

Regardless, the Pirates find themselves in an unusual position of having clinched a conference title, but still facing an important contest. Players recognized as much after the clock expired last Saturday.

“(Linfield) is a big win and obviously we’re feeling good,” senior receiver Steve Silva said. “But we still have one more game and we have to take care of business because UPS is a good team.”

The Loggers (4-4, 2-3) committed seven turnovers in a 45-13 loss to Menlo last week. With a win today, UPS can clinch consecutive winning seasons for the first time in 20 years.

“We’re probably going to be playing in the rain, that’s what you get this time of year,” Tully said. “It would be my hope our guys go in absolutely ready.”