The No. 22 University of Redlands football team captured a solid 21-7 victory over visiting Chapman University on Saturday afternoon in front of 908 fans at Ted Runner Stadium. After shutting out the Panthers in the first half, the Bulldogs then held off a late-scoring run that would have tied the game with six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Redlands then responded by marching down the field to gain another touchdown and ensure the team's fourth straight win.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring on their second possession as junior quarterback Steve Smith (Lake Oswego, OR) found junior wide receiver Evan Reuter (Cameron Park, CA) on a nine-yard pass into the end zone.

Redlands' second strike came on its next drive that began at the Bulldog 33-yard line late in the first quarter. With two crucial first-down plays, Redlands slowly moved the ball down field and made their way into the Chapman end zone on a three-yard run by senior running back Zack Schafer (Saugus, CA).

Chapman answered with its only score of the game on a 36-yard carry by Kyle Floyd with 52 seconds to go in the third quarter.

In the final period, Chapman moved the ball 76 yards to the Bulldog four yard-line and sat in prime contention to tie the game. However, the Redlands defense responded as freshman linebacker Ian Sluss (Vista, CA) and senior defensive lineman Nick Burruel (Phoenix, AZ) combined for an important sack for a five-yard loss. Then, on fourth and goal, sophomore defensive back Mike Nicolini (Novato, CA) made a diving play to break up the would-be touchdown reception.

Redlands then drove 91 yards and finally scored on a five-yard run by Schafer to go up 21-7 with only 49 seconds left in the game.

Schafer led the team in rushing with 114 yards while Smith threw for 184 yard on 17-for-27 passing.

On defense, the team gained big numbers from Nicolini and junior defensive back Rudy Vidales (Los Angeles, CA) with nine tackles each.

The Bulldogs (7-1, 4-1 SCIAC) look forward to hosting Cal Lutheran University in its final home game of the regular season on Saturday at 1 p.m.