Photo by Shane Rodrigues

Story by Sebastián Abdón Ibarra, Sports Information Student Assistant

LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne Leopards were unable to collect their first SCIAC win in Ortmayer Stadium against the University of Redlands Bulldogs, losing 51-7. It was La Verne's first game at home after three straight games on the road.

The Leopards (1-4, 0-2 SCIAC) moved the ball well in the first half as they gained 167 total yards of offense, but had trouble finishing off drives. An interception and turnover on downs killed promising drives for the offense.

Down 21-0, quarterback Tyrone Williams Jr. had the Leos driving down the field from their own 25-yard line. A pass interference penalty against Redlands (4-1, 2-0 SCIAC) on 3rd and 7 kept the drive alive for Williams and company. Williams converted another 3rd and 7 later in the drive, this time completing a 41-yard bomb to Spencer Pool down the right sideline. Williams came up with yet another big play inside the red zone as he used his legs to extend the play on 2nd and 13 and found Nathaniel Sagastume in the endzone for a 16-yard touchdown. Kapena Kamakawiwoole tacked on the extra point to make it a two-score game at 21-7. This drive showed off the potential of the Leopard offense but La Verne was unable to replicate this kind of success again.

Williams went 10-15 for 104 yards and a touchdown. Kyle Bandy was La Verne's leading rusher with 49 yards on 13 carries. Sagastume and Pool combined for 86 yards receiving. Derek Shay and Austin Marin combined for La Verne's only sack of the game. It was both of their first sacks on the season.

Tyler Le and Shay led the Leopards with six tackles apiece. Cole Roberts, Mason Montanez, and Raymond Moronez led the Leopards' secondary each adding five tackles.

La Verne's next game is against Whittier College on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Whittier.