by Echelle Avelar
Sports Editor
Tomorrow night’s David and Goliath game between La Verne and Chapman will be the third time these two teams have clashed helmets. Both times the Leopards walked away a little scuffed but always with the win and the bragging rights.
With star running back senior Darnell Morgan being declared ineligible and Chapman being forced to forfeit its previous games, the road for La Verne may be getting a bit brighter.
“It means absolutely nothing. Chapman’s an excellent team. Offensively they have more speed and skill defensively they are extremely talented. They are the best team we’ll face all year,” said head coach Don Morel.
As of earlier this week, the lineup went something like this: Chapman, 5-0, ranking No. 4 in the west region. Morgan was ranked No. 12 in Division III rushing, placing in at No. 28 in scoring and beating out La Verne’s senior running back Anthony Rice.
On the other end of the ring is La Verne, 4-1, not ranked in the NCAA west region and led by Rice, who is No. 6 in rushing and No. 15 in scoring.
Even with rumors flying about the well anticipated overcrowded game being relocated to Cal State Fullerton nothing was more of a surprise than the fact that Chapman’s bright starter not only would not be playing, but that because of his continued playing this season, Chapman would be forced to give up its perfect 5-0 record for a 0-5 one instead.
It was late Tuesday when news was given to the NCAA by Chapman that Morgan had been playing with no eligibility the entire season. Morgan is a transfer student from Cerritos College and when transferring, he filled out his papers indicating he had redshirted his first year there when in fact he had played.
Because of NCAA rulings, Morgan is now ineligible.
“Well, we’re now missing a player, we don’t even know how we’re going to adjust. We’re just unsure right now,” said Chapman head coach Ken Visser.
Morel still is not planning on underestimating Chapman, which has another talent up its sleeve as sophomore running back Ramsey Byrd has stepped up. Byrd seconds Chapman’s rushing with 251 yards on the season.
In the midst of all the dilemmas, Chapman still plans on celebrating its Homecoming with ULV as its first eligible victory.
“They’re excited to play us. A win over La Verne would make their season,” said Morel.
Losing Morgan and dropping out of running in the nationals will help La Verne if it can beat Chapman, “which is a momentous task in itself,” said Morel.
Visser also sees the Leopards as worthy opponents.
“We’re facing a very talented football team which has an excellent coaching staff that always performs well. We’re facing a tough team. They have a good offensive line across the board, and overall defense is big, they hit hard, its going to be tough,” Visser said.
But when the gates open at 5 p.m. tomorrow all eyes will be sure to be glued waiting for the final result, and even though many may think that beating Chapman will be La Verne’s key to the playoffs the pressure is not going to effect La Verne. The Leopards attitude will be as laid back as Morel himself.
“We’re going to play a football game. We’re going to prepare exactly the same way every time,” said Morel.
