Football ends season breaking three offensive records

LA VERNE, Calif — Football ended its season on a high note taking care of business in the 'Big Cat Battle' defeating the La Verne Leopards 42-14.

To little surprise with the Panthers' high-powered offense this season, there were three offensive records broken and one record tied in the victory. Nathaniel Espinoza broke the record for most passing yards in a single season, previously 2,545, the junior hurled for 2,663 passing yards and 30 touchdowns — the other record, which was previously 28 both held by Ian Fieber.

Espinoza's good buddies in the wide receiving core, Spencer Corona and Wyatt Hardin, were the beneficiaries of his spectacular season. Corona broke the career-record for receiving touchdowns with 20 throughout his three seasons as a receiver; the previous record was 19 held by David Vaccaro. Corona also now holds the record for most career receptions at 120, which was previously held by Chris Langstaff with 119. Hardin tied the record for most receiving touchdowns in a season with 11. He shares that record with Trevor Vill.

How did they reach these numbers? Corona hauled in two touchdown passes, one in the second quarter and one in the final three minutes of the game. Hardin caught his lone touchdown reception of the game in the last minute of the third quarter, totalling three of Espinoza's five touchdown passes.

A 71 yard bomb to John Krall kicked off the scoring on the Panthers' second drive of the game — Espinoza's first pass on the afternoon was intercepted, only his fourth of the season ending with a 30/4 touchdown to interception split. Krall finished with 117 receiving yards to lead the team and two touchdowns.

Marcos Reyes and Tanner Mendoza added a punch on the ground rushing for 97 and 38 yards respectively, with Mendoza diving in for his sixth touchdown of the season — ending his career with 22 touchdowns and 1,748 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Kade Jordan forced a fumble and recovered one of Chapman's three forced turnovers. Jordan added 10 tackles to his ledger, leading the team in that category. Carson Campuzano and Adam Andrade added interceptions, for Campuzano that's the first of his career in his final game.

Chapman finishes the season 7-3 and 4-2 in SCIAC play, ending in third place in the conference. 

By Joe Perrino

Assistant SID / Recreation Sports Manager

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