Chapman Football Game Notes (10/1/11)
Road Weary
The Panthers' road loss on Saturday was their fifth in their past
six away games dating back to the start of the 2010 season.
There's no 'L' in Azusa
Chapman's 43-7 loss to Azusa Pacific last week was its fifth
straight defeat against the Cougars. It's the Panthers'
second-longest active losing streak to any school. The longest is
Chapman's six-game skid against Willamette (Ore.), which the
Panthers last faced in 2003.
Long-Distance Carrier
Not only was APU's 97-yard blocked field goal return for a
touchdown at the end of the first half last week a back-breaker for
Chapman, it was also the longest play the Panthers' had surrendered
to an opponent in 11 years. In fact, the only play longer which
Chapman has allowed was a 100-yard kickoff return by Whitworth
(Wash.) on Sept. 16, 2000.
Wall of Protection
Going into the season, one of Chapman's strengths was expected to
be in its offensive line. Thus far, that's held true as the
offensive front five have given up just one sack and rank No. 15 in
Division III in sacks allowed. That pass protection has helped the
Panthers to a 108 quarterback efficiency rating.
Scoring Struggles
The Panthers will be looking to break out the touchdown
celebrations this week. Chapman's offense has been limited to just
one touchdown in each of the first two games and a total of 23
points. That total (11.5 points per game) marks a six-year low,
going back to 2005 when the Panthers scored just 20 points in their
first two games.
Give and Take?
It's not that the Panthers' four turnovers in their first two
games is an unusually high amount of charity for any team - but the
Panthers' lack of takeaways has magnified the turnover problem.
Chapman's defense has forced zero turnovers in its first two games.
However, last year against Pomona-Pitzer the Panthers had two
interceptions and no turnovers.
Kickers Return
Chapman kickers Jimmy
Adranly (punter) and Mauricio
Alfonso (kicker) return to the sidelines this week after
missing the APU game while the Panthers' men's soccer team was in
Texas. It was the first of three scheduling conflicts this season,
however, Adranly and Alfonso are not expected to miss any more
football games. Freshman K Markus
Trujillo was solid in their stead, averaging over 39 yards per
punt, including a 57-yarder. However, is lone field goal attempt
was blocked.
Pomona-Pitzer in 2011
The Sagehens are off to another slow start, going 0-2 out of the
gate. Pomona-Pitzer is now 1-10 in their past 11 games dating back
to the start of last season when they lost their first seven
contests and finished in fifth place in the SCIAC. The Sagehens
suffered a heartbreaker two weeks ago at home against Lewis &
Clark (Ore.), losing 48-39 despite RB Luke Sweeney rushing for 187
yards and four touchdowns.
Speaking of Sweeney...
The junior running back and kick returner is tracing circles
around opposing defenses this year. Sweeney currently ranks No. 2
in the nation in rushing yards per game (181.5) and No. 3 in
all-purpose yards with 246 per game. After being kept out of the
endzone in the Sagehens' opener against Whitworth, Sweeney scored
four times against Lewis & Clark and as a result ranks No. 14
in Division III with 12 points per game scoring average.
Sagehens' O-Line
Certainly Pomona-Pitzer's offensive line deserves some of the
credit for Sweeney's great start as it is creating some holes for
the junior to run through. The Sagehens' O-line also ranks second
in the SCIAC in sacks allowed, having allowed just two this
year.
Chapman vs. Pomona-Pitzer
Chapman's .875 winning percentage (7 wins, 1 loss) against
Pomona-Pitzer is its highest winning percentage ever against any
opponent the Panthers have played at least five times. That
includes a five-game winning streak against the Sagehens which is
tied for the Chapman's longest active streak against any opponent.
The last meeting, Chapman overcame a 10-7 halftime deficit to beat
Pomona-Pitzer 41-17 at Ernie Chapman Stadium in 2010.
Chapman Football on Air
For the fifth-straight year, Chapman has partnered with the
school's on-campus radio station, Chapman Radio, to broadcast all
nine Panthers' football games in 2011 streaming live on the
internet at http:www.chapmanradio.com/sports. A rotation of on-air
student talent will provide play-by-play and commentary for every
down of Chapman football.