Pacific University finished the 2024 campaign with a 5-5 overall record and a 3-4 mark in Northwest Conference play, bouncing back strongly from a difficult previous year. Under head coach Ian Falconer, the Boxers established an identity built on a high-powered rushing attack and a physical brand of football. Operating out of Hanson Stadium in Forest Grove, Oregon, the team leaned heavily on standout skill-position returners and a culturally diverse roster featuring nearly 50 players from Hawaii.
The team's trajectory changed through key offensive explosions, particularly a dominant ground game that controlled the clock and pressured conference opponents. While defensive consistency fluctuated against top-tier tier programs like Linfield University, the Boxers showed resilience, closing out November with crucial victories to secure an even 500 record.
2024 Season Schedule and Results
The Boxers played a ten-game schedule that tested their depth across non-conference matchups and Northwest Conference battles. Pacific opened on the road against Chapman University, dropping a tough 43-23 contest before returning home to capture the annual Oregon Cup against Lewis & Clark College with a 34-24 win.
Non-conference play wrapped up smoothly with a 45-14 home victory over Pomona-Pitzer. Entering conference play, Pacific put up a statement 62-34 win on the road against the University of Puget Sound. However, the team hit a mid-season hurdle during October, dropping consecutive games to Pacific Lutheran University, Lewis & Clark, and Whitworth University.
A challenging November featured a tough matchup against conference powerhouse Linfield University, but the Boxers finished strong. They secured back-to-back wins against Willamette University (24-10) and George Fox University (39-11) on Senior Day to finish the year at .500. Track complete historical schedules and program updates directly via the Pacific University Athletics portal.
Offensive Powerhouses and Key Roster Leaders
The heartbeat of the 2024 Pacific offense was junior running back Brody Bantolina. Following a stellar sophomore campaign, Bantolina rushed for 1,533 yards on 222 carries, averaging an impressive 153.3 yards per game with 15 touchdowns. His vision and tackle-breaking ability anchored the offensive playbook.
Complementing Bantolina in the backfield was junior Kalai Pasi, who contributed 321 rushing yards and six touchdowns, giving the Boxers a potent one-two punch. In the passing game, quarterback Braeden Titus directed the offense with efficiency, completing nearly 62 percent of his passes for 2,198 yards and 14 touchdowns. Titus frequently connected with top target Josiah Chaffin, who hauled in 55 receptions for 883 yards and eight scores.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the Boxers relied on senior leadership to stabilize the front seven and secondary. Senior linebacker Hunter Brown led the team with 64 total tackles, anchoring the middle of the field. In the secondary, senior Zion Booker added 38 tackles, while senior Jesse Stroede contributed 24 tackles and four interceptions. Up front, defensive contributors like senior Drew Welch and junior Raynne Passi helped disrupt opposing offensive lines.
Cultural Identity and Recruiting Reach
A unique hallmark of Pacific University football is its deep pipeline to the islands. The 2024 roster featured 48 players hailing from Hawaii. Head coach Ian Falconer has frequently emphasized that this connection defines the team's culture, chemistry, and competitive toughness. This blend of Pacific Northwest locals and Hawaiian talent fosters a tight-knit locker room culture that translates to high energy on Saturdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conference does Pacific University football play in?
Pacific competes in the Northwest Conference (NWC) at the NCAA Division III level. Other conference opponents include Linfield, Whitworth, George Fox, Lewis & Clark, Pacific Lutheran, Puget Sound, and Willamette.
Where do the Boxers play their home games?
The team plays home games at Hanson Stadium, located on the Pacific University campus in Forest Grove, Oregon.
How did Brody Bantolina perform during the 2024 season?
Bantolina put together an elite junior season, rushing for 1,533 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 6.9 yards per carry over 10 games.
What was Pacific's final record in 2024?
The Boxers finished the 2024 season with an even 5-5 overall record and a 3-4 conference mark, highlighted by strong wins in November over Willamette and George Fox.
