SPOKANE, Wash. — The No. 20 Whitworth Pirates jumped out to a big first quarter lead and the University of La Verne football team couldn't recover, falling on the road 53-0 Saturday afternoon.
Season Impact: The Leopards drop their first game of the year, falling to 1-1 overall. Whitworth remains undefeated improving to 3-0.
The Leopards defense tightened up in the second half, allowing just 10 points in the final 30 minutes, but the damage was already done.
Robert Fernandez finished with 56 yards rushing, averaging four yards per carry. Michael Medina rushed for 41 yards on seven attempts. Grayson Kline had four receptions for the Leopards.
Josh Padilla led the Leopards' defense with 12 tackles, Alex Olivas had six, and Derrin Hooks had seven. Padilla also created a takeaway for La Verne, picking off a pass from Ian Kolste midway through the second quarter.
Austin Brown finished with a sack and two tackles for losses.
The Pirates were led by Kolste's 291 yards through the air with four touchdowns. Taric Ellis had 72 yards rushing for Whitworth.
Next Game: The Leopards have a bye next week and are back in action on Saturday, September 30 at 7 p.m. when they open up SCIAC play against the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen at Ortmayer Stadium.