LA VERNE, CA – The University of La Verne left their mark on the final game of the 2023 season, avenging their shutout loss to the Cal Lutheran University Kingsmen with a 31-24 victory on senior day.

Four turnovers forced by the Leopards' defense proved to make the difference in the win.

"The ability to fight through adversity all year long is the strength of these players and this team. And this win is a testament to who they are as men. They show up each day ready to compete and have the mentality to never give up and never quit," said University of La Verne football head coach Chris Krich.

La Verne answered a first-quarter CLU touchdown with three of their own plus a field goal to take a 24-7 lead at half, before adding another touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. It was the defensive unit that made all the difference.

With the Kingsmen inside the Leos' 10-yard line on the verge of their second score, Oscar Montenegro tipped a pass into his own hands and took it to the house for a 92-yard pick-six. The interception was the first of three consecutive forced turnovers, all leading to Leopards' points.

Less than 60 seconds later, Josiah Finnell picked off the Cal Lutheran quarterback to set the Leopards up at the opposing 26-yard line. Capitalizing on a penalty by the Kingsmen that moved La Verne to the 13-yard line, first-year quarterback Brian Rudden found Juan Gutierrez for his second career passing touchdown. Rudden finished with two TDs and his third straight game with 200-plus passing yards, totaling 225 yards through the air.

The third Kingsmen series in less than two minutes before the half was once again snuffed out by Montenegro. The outside linebacker forced and recovered a fumble on a completed pass that gave La Verne their third scoring opportunity in just as much time. The Leopards kicked a field goal, and the score was 24-7 headed into the third quarter.

The Kingsmen came out hot in the second half, scoring two touchdowns through the air as the defense looked to steal the momentum. But the Leopards took control back in the fourth quarter.

Senior running back Treyvion Davies took over the first La Verne series of the final quarter and rushed three times for 26 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown that with the point-after extended the Leopards' lead to 31-21. Jomar Brown snagged a tipped pass in the back of the end zone for the third ULV interception to cap an impressive performance by the Leopards' defense. 

A late Cal Lutheran field goal put the final at 31-24. La Verne finished the season 2-8 overall, and 1-7 in the SCIAC. Cal Lutheran ended with a record of 3-7 and 2-5.

Makena Ramos-Kamaka led the Leopards with 79 receiving yards, 49 of them in the second quarter when Rudden connected with the junior for the Leopards' first score of the game. Jimmy Rumsey ended with 68 receiving yards.

Devin Martin was all over the field, finishing with a game-high nine tackles including one for a loss. Nathan Tagaloa ended with eight tackles and one for a loss. Josef Tena added eight tackles and Anthony Esquivel finished with five tackles and a sack.

Jayson Lopez was instrumental in the win, making all five of his kicks. The freshman nailed all four of his extra point attempts and drilled a a 30 yard field goal at the end of the second half.

The Leopards celebrated their 13 seniors in a pregame ceremony.

"It's because of these seniors and their leadership which kept everyone together and allowed us to get better each week. We are excited for the off-season and our preparation for next year," added Krich.