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Leopards fumble away game, 43-23

University of La Verne receiver senior Michael Raffee cradles the ball after a short gain as he is brought down by Whitworth College defensive back Zac Farnam in Saturday’s game at Ortmayer Stadium. Despite 372 total offensive yards gained by ULV, the Leopards lost to the Pirates, 43-23, due in part to a game plagued by ULV turnovers. / photo by Adam Omernik
University of La Verne receiver senior Michael Raffee cradles the ball after a short gain as he is brought down by Whitworth College defensive back Zac Farnam in Saturday’s game at Ortmayer Stadium. Despite 372 total offensive yards gained by ULV, the Leopards lost to the Pirates, 43-23, due in part to a game plagued by ULV turnovers. / photo by Adam Omernik

Jonathan Corral
Staff Writer

Coming off a nail biting victory in its first game of the season defeating Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rival Pomona-Pitzer, 26-21, the Leopards fell to defeat, 43-23, at the hands of Whitworth College, evening their record to 1-1, Saturday at Ortmayer Stadium.

The Leopards were their own worst enemy as they committed five turnovers deep in Pirate territory, which gave way to Whitworth’s high-powered offense that was clicking on all cylinders.

“I think we ran into a good team, probably the best team we will see all year,” head coach Don Morel said. “Against a team like that you cannot turn the ball over that many times, but that is the way it goes sometimes.”

Despite the five turnovers, the Leopards managed to gain 372 yards of total offense and drive consistently into the red zone.

Senior quarterback Brian Guerrero threw for a career-high 254 yards passing on 15 for 24 and three touchdowns to lead the way for the Leopards.

Wide receiver David Catchings led the receiving corps with five catches for 142 yards and all three of the Leopards’ touchdowns.

Whitworth (2-0) started the scoring off in its first drive of the game, scoring on a 22-yard pass from quarterback Joel Clark to receiver Kyle Snell.

The Leopards quickly responded with a score of their own as they used a two-play, 65-yard drive, ending with Catchings hauling in his first score of the game from 53 yards out, tying the game at 7.

The Pirates outscored the Leopards 15-7 in the second quarter to head into halftime with a 22-14 lead.

In the second half, the Pirate offense continued its dominance, closing the door on the Leopards early in the third.

The Leopards added a team safety late in the third quarter and Catchings caught his third touchdown pass of the game, this time from 56 yards out, making the score, 43-23, but that is as close as the Leopards would get.

The Leopards are back in action tomorrow at the University of Puget Sound.

“We think it is going to be a real competitive game,” Morel said. “They are a real good defensive team, so we have to be ready.”

Jonathan Corral can be reached at jcorral@ulv.edu.

During the second half of a football game against Whitworth College Saturday at Ortmayer Stadium, University of La Verne receiver junior Daniel Logan (No. 5) is tackled by Pirates’ linebacker Daniel Jones (No. 37). The Leopards are 1-1 for the season, coming out of the game against the Whitworth Pirates with a 43-23 loss Saturday. / photo by Adam Omernik
During the second half of a football game against Whitworth College Saturday at Ortmayer Stadium, University of La Verne receiver junior Daniel Logan (No. 5) is tackled by Pirates’ linebacker Daniel Jones (No. 37). The Leopards are 1-1 for the season, coming out of the game against the Whitworth Pirates with a 43-23 loss Saturday. / photo by Adam Omernik
Jonathan Corral
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