REDLANDS, CA — The University of La Verne football team started strong on the road and held a 12-5 lead over the University of Redlands at halftime. But the Bulldogs rallied in the second half and shut out the Leopards to win 40-12.

The Leopards controlled the ball for most of the opening quarter and got on the board first, capping off a 16-play 61-yard drive that ate up a 7:13 with a 1-yard rush from Tevin Bowie. The offensive lineman lined up in the wildcat position and plunged in for the 6-0 lead. 

But the momentum was short-lived as the Bulldogs blocked the ensuing point-after attempt and ran it back for two points to immediately cut La Verne's lead to 6-2.

La Verne played stubborn defense in the first half holding the Bulldogs, who entered the game leading the SCIAC with 339.9 yards per game, to just 101 yards in the the first 30 minutes of play. 

The unit came up big midway through the second quarter when Redlands threatened with second and goal at the five-yard line. Bulldogs' running back Tony Williams Jr. grabbed the handoff and tried to turn the corner but was met by a hustling Jomar Brown who made a clutch tackle for no gain. After an incompletion on third down, the Bulldogs settled for a 22-yard field goal.

Juan Gutierrez came in huge at the end of the half picking off Redlands' quarterback Jordan Ford and returning it 40 yards to the Bulldogs' 30-yard-line with just 51 seconds remaining before the break.

Three plays later, Brian Rudden launched a pass to the one-yard line where Jimmy Rumsey, with a defender draped on him, leaped and snagged the ball and crossed the goalline to extend the Leopards's lead to 12-5.

The tide switched early in the third quarter when the Bulldogs intercepted a pass in the end zone for an easy score. The point after tied the score 12-12.

The Bulldogs took the lead on their next possession on a 66-yard rush.

Rudden threw for 258 yards in his first collegiate start. Makena Ramos-Kamaka led the Leopards with 109 receiving yards on nine receptions.

Nathan Tagaloa led La Verne with seven tackles and half a sack. Devin Martin, Josef Tena, and Josiah Finnell each had six tackles.

The Leopards will travel to Chapman next Saturday, November 4 at 7 p.m.