REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Football team (0-3, 0-1 SCIAC) dropped their Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) opener 32-10 to Chapman University Saturday evening.
Sergi Rodas-Mendoza (Pacific Grove, CA) got the Bulldogs on the scoreboard in the second quarter when he made a 31-yard field goal with 12:21 on the clock.
Despite scoring only three points in the first half, Redlands would go into the break down only seven behind a strong defensive effort, 10-3.
The Panthers got the ball to begin the second half, and the Bulldog defense did its job again as they got off the field quickly giving up just 38-yards.
Chapman did get a touchdown later in the third quarter making it a two-possession game heading into the fourth. Their next possession they got all the way down to the four yard line, but Chase Hunter (Murrieta, CA) and Maximus Susi (San Diego, CA) helped to force a field goal attempt that would have made it a three possession game, but the 22-yarder was missed wide.
The Panther offense got back to it soon after following an interception. Chapman would take advantage of their good field position as they extended their lead, 23-3 with a short rushing touchdown.
Despite the deficit Isaiah Alvarado (Coachella, CA) and David Myers (Hemet, CA) would spark the offense combining for 75 yards on the ground in only three plays as the Bulldogs scored their first touchdown of the season in only :45 seconds to pull within 13, 23-10, with 9:22 still to go.
After the momentum swing the UR offense would have another four drives but none of them got into Chapman territory as the offense never found a rhythm.
Alvarado had a great game with 59 yards on six carries for a 9.8 average. Myers had 25 yards on two touches and a touchdown. Cal Breen (Bainbridge Island, WA) led the receivers with three catches for 43 yards.
Even though they allowed 32 points the defense continued to shine for the Bulldogs as they had six tackles for losses (TFL), two sacks, and a forced fumble as they were on the field for more than 37 minutes.
Susi led the way with a career-high 10 total tackles and a 0.5 TFL. Chase Hunter had a 0.5 TFL and the forced fumble. Craig Hunter (Murrieta, CA) had seven total tackles, Elijah Valles (Oceanside, CA) seven tackles and a TFL, Cole Smith (Gaston, OR) five tackles and a TFL, Aaron Muniz (Fontana, CA) five tackles and a TFL, and Sami Abdul-Majid (Riverside, CA) with another TFL.
Redlands will stay at home as they prepare to host the University of La Verne for their annual Rah Rah Redlands game next Saturday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m.
