Leopards drop close game at CMS

Leopards drop close game at CMS

CLAREMONT, CA — Nathaniel Sagastume grabbed a three yard touchdown reception from Josh Evans to put the University of La Verne football team within 10 points of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps' lead midway through the fourth quarter.

But a turnover on the Leopards' next drive that resulted in a Stags' field goal put the game out of reach.

Offensive Leaders

James Gonsalves led the Leopards' ground attack, with 99 yards rushing. Eighty of those yards came on the Leopards' second play of the third quarter when he broke past the Stags' defenders to get his squad to within four points of the lead.

Josh Evans passed for 189 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Amir Bishop led La Verne with 110 receiving yards on just two catches. The sophomore scored La Verne's first touchdown on a 53 yard reception form Evans in the second quarter.

Diego Garcia made all four of his kicks, converting on three extra points and a 30 field goal to get the Leopards on the board in the first quarter.

The Stags were led by quarterback Jake Norville's four touchdown passes and Garrett Cheadle's 155 rushing yards.

Defensive Leaders

Raymond Moronez led the Leopards with 12 tackles in the game. The cornerback also totaled two pass breakups. Safety Andrew Camargo added 10 tackles of his own.

Austin Brown sacked Norville twice in the game.

How it Happened

With the Leopards trailing by four points with under thirty seconds left to play in the half, the Stags set up for a 19 yard field goal on fourth down. Alessandro Maiuolo's kick sailed wide right and it appeared for a moment La Verne had made a key stop, gaining momentum heading into the break.

But La Verne was called for a roughing the kicker penalty, giving Claremont-Mudd-Scripps another shot. The Stags made the most of their extra chance, with Norville tossing a touchdown pass to William Smith, give CMS an 11 point cushion heading into the break.

After the Stags took a 17 point lead to open the fourth quarter, the Leopards responded with a 92 yard drive. Set up on their own 14 yard line, Evans found an open Bishop for a 57 yard completion to get inside the Stags' 30 yard line.

The Leopards got to the eight yard line after a 21 yard pitch and catch from Evans to Sagastume. The pair capped off the drive with a three yard touchdown pass.

After a three and out by the Stags, La Verne got the ball back with 8:28 left to play. But a fumble on the Leopards' ensuing drive that led to a CMS field goal ended La Verne's chances

Key Stats

The teams' offensive production was nearly identical with the Stags totaling 401 yards and the Leopards gaining 395 yards. The key difference came in the time of possession with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps nearly doubling up La Verne. 

The Leopards held the ball for just over 20 minutes with the Stags keeping possession for nearly 40 minutes.

Season Impact

The Leopards drop to 0-3 on the season and 0-1 in SCIAC play. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps improves to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference

Next Game

The Leopards next play their Homecoming Game. La Verne hosts the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens on Saturday, October 6 at 5 p.m.

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