LA VERNE, CA — Jimmy Rumsey had a record-setting performance, and the University of La Verne football team dominated the University of Redlands through the first 30 minutes Saturday afternoon. But the Bulldogs answered in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points to spoil the Leopards' upset attempt, 29-14.
Entering Saturday's contest, Rumsey needed five catches and 123 receiving yards to set La Verne records in both categories. The junior snagged the all-time receptions record grab late in the first half. He extended the record on a fourth down conversion that set up a
Tyler McCown eight-yard touchdown catch that sent the Leopards into the break leading 14-5.
Rumsey added his second record on his last reception of the game, an 11-yard reception from
Brian Rudden to set the new standard for receiving yards. He finished the game with 11 catches and 126 yards to set the new records at 146 receptions and 2,095 receiving yards. It is the third time this season Rumsey has finished with over 100 yards, and the sixth time in his career.
The Leopards had their way with the Bulldogs in the first half, holding Redlands to just 60 total yards and 10 yards rushing while racking up 215 total yards of their own. Rudden got the Leopards on the board on the first play of the second quarter when he rolled to the right, called his own number, and scampered for an eight-yard rushing score. Rudden finished with 220 passing yards on 22 completions. McCown rushed for 88 yards, including a long of 26, and had four receptions for 33 yards.
Julian Martinez snagged four catches for 30 yards.
Redlands responded out of the half, scoring touchdowns on three of their first four drives and converting a field goal on the other.
La Verne's offense couldn't find the same rhythm in the second half.
Jonathan Scott was all over the field, leading the defensive unit with 12 total tackles, including six solo efforts with one tackle for a loss. His 12 total tackles match his career high he posted against Willamette to start the year.
D'Artangion Martin, who entered the game ranked third in the SCIAC in total tackles, finished with nine tackles with 1.5 for losses.
Ashton Smith, fresh off a big game against the Sagehens, added three tackles for losses and six total tackles.
Jomar Brown finished with six tackles and a breakup.
Justin Mondini totaled five tackles and one breakup, and
JonLuke Vega tallied five tackles.
The Leopards play their final home game of the season against Chapman next Saturday, November 8, at 1 p.m. La Verne will celebrate its seniors in a brief pregame ceremony.
