PUYALLUP, Wash. – Caiden Biege-Wetherbee made eight tackles and No. 7 Linfield held Pacific Lutheran to 120 total yards on the way to a 52-7 Northwest Conference victory Saturday at Sparks Stadium.
 
Linfield put points on the scoreboard in nearly every way imaginable, scoring by rush, pass, punt return and on an interception. The Wildcats (6-0, 4-0 NWC) remained unbeaten, defeating the Lutes for the 21^st consecutive time in the series.
 
With Linfield's defense turning in one of its best all-around performances of the season, Pacific Lutheran (2-4, 1-3 NWC) managed just 36 yards passing. Quarterbacks Darius Chaffin and Erik Bainter combined to complete 8 of 22 throws. Defenders Travis Swanson, Vinny Niosi, Nick Severson and Brian Pullman all had a hand in sacking the quarterback. The Wildcats intercepted Bainter three times, including a 50-yard pick-six return by Ben Baxter in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.
 
Six of Biege-Weatherbee's eight tackles were unassisted and two were for loss. The sophomore rover also contributed an interception. Cutter Hillock, making his first career start, was credited with five tackles, including three solo. Niosi and Severson, both defensive tackles, each recorded four tackles.
 
The Lutes went 0 for 12 on third down as the 'Cats forced eight punts. That resulted in 30 fewer plays for PLU.
 
With 216 yards passing, Wildcats QB Wyatt Smith became Linfield's all-time leader in passing yards. His 8,742 yards surpassed Linfield co-offensive coordinator Brett Elliott's standing record of 8,614. The senior All-American threw two touchdown passes on the day, including a 42-yard bomb to Colton Smith on the game's fourth offensive play, and a 2-yard toss to Devon Murray early in the second quarter. Wyatt Smith completed 21 of 38 throws but was sacked three times by the Lutes. 
 
The 'Cats kept the pressure on the Lutes throughout, building leads of 31-0 in the second quarter and 45-7 midway through the fourth period.
 
Maclain Stoneking returned a punt 52 yards for a score and finished the day with 98 yards on seven punt returns.
 
Connor Morton rushed for a game-high 79 yards. Connor McNabb netted 58 yards on the ground. McNabb also caught five passes for 44 yards. Devon Murray had four receptions for 29 yards and one TD.
 
NEXT
Linfield returns to Maxwell Field Saturday to battle Yamhill County foe George Fox. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.