Leopards Open 2009 Campaign Against Whitworth
The University of La Verne football squad will open its 2009 campaign this Saturday when it hosts visiting Whitworth University at Ortmayer Stadium.
La Verne welcomes several new players to the roster as third-year coach Andy Ankeny looks to improve upon a 2-7 season in 2008.
Representing the Northwest Conference, Whitworth heads into Saturday's contest looking for its first win after falling 48-31 at fifth-ranked Hardin-Simmons last Saturday in Abilene, TX. The Pirates and Leopards will be meeting for the sixth straight season, but it will be the final meeting for some time. Last year Whitworth opened with a 22-13 win over La Verne in Spokane, WA.
The Pirates feature a potent rushing attack led by led by senior running back Adam Anderson, the 2007 and 2008 Northwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Anderson tallied 229 all-purpose yards and a pair of touchdowns last week against Hardin-Simmons.
The Leopard offense has the luxury of two quality quarterbacks in Anthony Andre and Christian Winnewasser. Andre passed for 1,423 yards last season with Winnewasser passing for 427 yards with 4 TDs. The top returning pass receiver is senior Kenneth Chapman, who hauled in 12 passes for 224 yards and a pair of scores.
On defense the Leos return senior linebacker Branamier Courtney, a 2007 All-SCIAC selection who posted 63 tackles last season.
Saturday's kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 am.
