The University of Redlands football team traveled to Chapman University on Saturday night to square off against the Panthers in a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) contest between the previous two champions of the league.  Although the Bulldogs produced more yards of total offense, they struggled to maintain possession in an uncharacteristic showing, and lost by a score of 13-27.

After Chapman scored on its opening drive, the Maroon and Gray immediately answered with a 13-play, 80-yard march downfield that set up a six-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Paul Avila (Santa Maria, CA) to sophomore wide receiver Cole Blackburn (Sammamish, WA). Sophomore wide receiver Alex Andrighetto (Portola Valley, CA) provided the biggest gain of the drive, as he hauled in a 22-yard strike from senior quarterback Kevin Russell (Lacey, WA).  In addition, senior running back Curtis Tanquary (San Jose, CA) moved Redlands into the Red Zone with a 17-yard carry to set up the tying score.

The Bulldog defense stepped up on the Panthers' ensuing drive, forcing them into a three-and-out scenario.  Junior defensive lineman Adrian Rodriguez (Chino, CA) contributed a tackle on each play for Redlands.

Unfortunately, the Maroon and Gray's next possession abruptly ended with its first turnover of the game, which led to another Panther score.

While trailing by a score of 7-21 to start the second half, Redlands orchestrated a 14-play scoring drive that covered 88 yards during its second opportunity of the third quarter to make it a one-score game.  Russell found Andrighetto, Blackburn, and junior wide receiver Yoshio Hasegawa (Seattle, WA) on key receptions, which led to a one-yard keeper for the touchdown.

However, the Maroon and Gray battled turnovers in the second half, forcing the defense to minimize the damage with big plays.  Redlands allowed Chapman to score only two field goals in the second half, with sophomore linebacker Mitch Shepherd (Seattle, WA), junior linebacker Justin Lantz (Corona, CA), and senior defenisve back Colin Spencer (Olivet, MI) leading the defensive charge.

But the visiting team was held to just the one touchdown in the second half, leading to the Bulldogs' 13-27 loss.

Overall, Redlands recorded 341 yards of total offense, as compared to Chapman's 305.  The Bulldogs averaged 5.2 yards per gain, while the Panthers only earned 4.8 yards.

Defensively, sophomore defensive back Adam Goss (West Covina, CA) forced and recovered the only Chapman fumble to go along with seven tackles on the night.  Lantz led all Bulldogs with 12 tackles.

Redlands (3-5, 3-3 SCIAC) looks to bounce back on Saturday, November 14, when it travels to Occidental College to face the Tigers in a 1 p.m. SCIAC game.