LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne Leopards opened their 2025 football season at Ortmayer Stadium but were undone by turnovers in a 29–14 setback to visiting Willamette.
La Verne jumped ahead early when junior quarterback Jordan Hernandez capped a 90-yard opening drive with a 12-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter. But Willamette answered with 22 unanswered points in the second quarter, highlighted by a 54-yard fumble return for a touchdown from linebacker Javi Rodriguez and a 20-yard scoring run by Masen Uribe. A late safety and field goal sent the Leopards into halftime trailing 22–6.
The Bearcats extended their lead in the fourth quarter when Austin Snodgrass broke free for a 90-yard touchdown run. La Verne responded with an eight-play, 56-yard drive capped by Ahmia's Hart 24-yard scoring strike to Jimmy Rumsey, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass from Hart to Julian Martinez. That was as close as the Leopards would get, as Willamette closed out the 29–14 final.
Leopard Leaders
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Jimmy Rumsey (WR, JR): 5 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD; also added 30 punt return yards.
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Jordan Hernandez (QB, JR): 43 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD; 3-for-3 passing for 32 yards.
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Ahmias Hart (QB, JR): 91 passing yards and 1 TD.
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Tyler McCown (RB, SO): 48 all-purpose yards (25 rushing, 23 receiving).
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Jonathan Scott (LB, SR): Game-high 12 tackles.
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Brak Hill (LB, JR): 6 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a sack.
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Marlin Brown (DL, SR): 3 tackles including a sack.
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Jomar Brown (DB, JR): 5 tackles and 1 pass breakup.
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Justin Mondini (DB, SO): 5 tackles.
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John Whisnant V (LB, SR): 5 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss.
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Dylan Reiner (LB, SO): 5 total stops.
By the Numbers
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Total Offense: La Verne 283 yards (201 passing, 82 rushing); Willamette 343 yards (170 passing, 173 rushing).
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First Downs: La Verne 25, Willamette 16.
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Time of Possession: La Verne 32:29, Willamette 27:31.
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Turnovers: La Verne 4, Willamette 0.
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Attendance: 743 at Ortmayer Stadium.
Up Next
La Verne (0–1) continues nonconference play on the road next Saturday, traveling to face Chapman University in Orange. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m..