LA VERNE, CA — The La Verne Football team delivered a strong 28-12 victory against the Whittier College Poets, behind a career rushing day led by quarterback Jordan Hernandez.
The Leopards tallied 236 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, controlling the pace and clock. They scored on the opening drive after Kameron Brown took the handoff for 17 yards to the house. After the Poets answered with a touchdown of their own, Hernandez took matters into his own hands and went 57 yards for the second La Verne touchdown in as many drives.
To open the second quarter, the Leopards continued their momentum, this time relying on senior back Tyler McCown, who increased his season touchdown total to six. La Verne executed a perfect two-minute drill, and Brian Rudden found Jimmy Rumsey in the back corner of the endzone. The second half was all defense, and La Verne held on for the win.
The Leopards totaled 131 passing yards, completing 15 of 22 attempts. Brian Rudden led the passing attack, finishing with 86 yards and one touchdown without an interception. Jordan Hernandez added 45 yards on 6-of-9 passing.
On the ground, four different rushers combined for 262 yards on 40 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. Hernandez led the way with 78 yards on nine carries, followed by McCown, who added 51 yards on seven attempts. Franklin contributed 40 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while Brown finished with 42 yards and a rushing touchdown on 10 attempts.
Through the air, the Leopards totaled 131 receiving yards on 15 receptions, with one touchdown. Jimmy Rumsey led the way with five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. Lorenzo Bracamonte added 29 yards on two receptions, while Kasey Gillis recorded two catches for 21 yards. Noah Allen contributed three receptions for 17 yards, and Kameron Brown added two catches for 14 yards.
Up next, the Leopards will take on Whittier again on Saturday, in the final game of the season. Kickoff is set for 1 P.M. at Ortmayer.
