LA VERNE, Calif. — Josh Evans passed for 219 yards and the University of La Verne football team stayed close with the Panthers after one half of play.

But a three-touchdown third quarter by Chapman extended the lead and the Leopards fell 38-21 Saturday afternoon.

Season Impact: The Leopards drop to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in SCIAC play. Chapman improves to 4-2 overall and 4-0 in the SCIAC.

Evans finished the game completing 20 of 29 attempts with one touchdown. Robert Fernandez finished the game with 57 yards on the ground and a touchdown. 

The Leopards took the first lead of the game, scoring on their opening possession to cap off an 80 yard drive. After a pair of Fernandez rushes and short passes from Evans, receiver Russell Boucher ran up the seam and got behind the defense. Evans connected with Boucher for a 28 yard catch and run to give the Leopards the opening lead.

After Chapman responded with a field goal at the end of the first quarter, La Verne's defense came up with a big play when Austin Brown sacked Chapman quarterback Ricky Bautista for a safety to extend the lead to 9-3. 

But that would be the last time the Leopards would lead. On the Panthers' ensuing drive, Joe Muddle broke away for a 74 yard run to put Chapman up 10-9.

Chapman surged for in the third quarter to take a 31-15 lead the heading into the fourth.

Matthew Simko added a one yard rushing touchdown for the Leopards in the fourth quarter.

Senior Jose Aguero and freshman Andrew Camargo led the Leopards with 12 tackles each. Torii Hilbert added seven tackles.

Nathaniel Sagastume led La Verne with 68 receiving yards.

Bautista led Chapman with 274 passing yards with Muddle adding 166 rushing.

Next Game: The Leopards celebrate Homecoming next Saturday when they host the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags at 5 p.m.