AZUSA, CA — The University of La Verne Leopards dropped a heartbreaker to the Azusa Pacific Cougars on Saturday night, falling on a last-second Hail Mary despite a dominant two-touchdown performance from Tyler McCown.
After falling behind 10-0 early in the second quarter, La Verne got their first score of the night on a big hitter to running back Tyler McCown. The senior took an inside handoff to the house for a 49-yard score, bringing the Leos back into the contest.
Both defenses stepped up through the third, and APU took the three-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Leopards then took the lead with six minutes to play, thanks to a five-play drive, capped off by McCown's second touchdown of the evening.
The Cougars answered with their own touchdown, forcing the Leopards to execute a two-minute drill. Brian Rudden led La Verne down the field in a minute and 20 seconds, including a fourth down conversion. He capped off the drive with a five-yard rush to the left, giving the Leos a 3 point lead with just 30 seconds to go. Even with the late lead change, Azusa Pacific launched a pass from the 39-yard line as time expired, with Robert Taylor snagging it for the walk-off win.
The La Verne quarterbacks combined for 12 completions on 23 attempts for 126 passing yards, with Brian Rudden leading the way with 74 yards on 6 completions. Jordan Hernandez also completed 6 passes for 52 yards.
The Leopards rushed for 192 yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries. McCown had a star performance with 181 yards on 27 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt, and scoring two touchdowns
Through the air, the receiving core recorded 12 receptions for 126 receiving yards. Lorenzo Bracamonte led the team with four catches for 47 yards, while Jimmy Rumsey and Noah Allen each added 27 yards on three and two receptions, respectively.
Defensively, Roger Price III led the team with nine tackles, including five solo stops. Brooklyn Pasten and Devin Martin each added eight tackles, with Martin leading the team in tackles for loss with 3.5 for 11 yards. Jomar Brown contributed seven tackles, while Joseph Kassisieh added five. Salvatore Felice recorded three tackles, one sack for nine yards, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Pasten also recovered a fumble as La Verne's defense generated several key plays throughout the game.
The Leopards fall to 2-6 on the season and will return home for senior day this Saturday as they take on the Whittier College Poets at 1 P.M.
