Football bounces back in a big way, 45-7 over La Verne
LA VERNE, Calif. – Any thoughts of a 'let down' affect after the Chapman University football team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Redlands last week were quickly put to rest on Saturday afternoon as the Panthers handed host University of La Verne a 45-7 defeat at Ortmeyer Stadium.
Already one of the nation's most efficient offenses, Chapman (6-1 overall, 4-1 SCIAC) gained a season-high 623 yards, including 442 yards passing; also a season-high. And not only did the Panther offense score more than 40 points for the fourth time this season, the Chapman defense was equal to the task limiting its opponent to a season-low seven points.
Chapman junior QB Michael Lahey put together possibly his best day as a starter, completing 23 of 32 passes for a career-high 364 yards and equaling a career-high with three touchdowns. The junior got the Panthers on the board with each of their first three touchdowns in the first half, including an 80-yard strike to senior WR Robin Harris at the 4:21 mark in the second quarter which gave Chapman a 24-0 lead.
Sophomore WR Sean Myers and junior TE Anthony Ezeakunne also caught scoring passes from Lahey, preceding Harris's grab and junior K Markus Trujillo booted a 24-yard field goal in the first quarter to account for the Panthers' first-half scoring.
La Verne (3-4 overall, 2-3 SCIAC) scored its only touchdown of the game with 2:24 left in the half on a 38-yard pass from Justin Gomez to Chad Lucas to make the score 24-7 going into the intermission.
The second half was all Chapman as junior RB Cody Chapple took over. The Panthers' leading rusher this season scampered for touchdowns of 11 yards and 48 yards in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, to put Chapman ahead 38-7.
Chapman junior QB Raymond Huizar connected with freshman Conner Larkin for the game's final score – a 7-yard touchdown pass with 9:04 remaining in the game – to make it 45-7 Panthers.
Harris finished with a season-high 124 yards receiving on just four receptions. Junior WR Blayr Jimmerson was targeted seven times for 95 yards. Thirteen different Chapman players caught passes on Saturday. Chapple finished with 99 yards rushing in the game.
The Panthers' pass defense was strong against the Leopards as they earned four pass breakups and a pair of interceptions – both of which led to touchdown drives for the Chapman offense. Larkin and junior DB Sean Davey each picked a pass for Chapman. Junior LB Greg Johnson led the Panthers with eight tackles.
Chapman now owns a 5-0 record over the past two seasons in games following a loss. The Panthers close out the 2013 with two final home games against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Saturday, Nov. 9 and then 'Senior Day' on Nov. 16 versus Cal Lutheran. With one more victory, Chapman will clinch its best overall record since 1996 (7-2) and best under the direction of head coach Bob Owens.
by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director
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