SALEM, OR — A strong rushing attack and stout defense led the University of La Verne football team to another decisive victory, this time defeating the Willamette Bearcats 45 to 16.
Tyler McCown led the La Verne with his best game as a Leopard. The senior backed up his week one performance with an even bigger showing. He rushed 31 times for two touchdowns on 7.4 yards per carry. He collected a career-high 230 rushing yards, surging past his previous best of 108 yards.
It was all Leopards early, with La Verne putting up 28 points in the first half. The blistering offensive attack resulted in 330 yards over the first 30 minutes, with 213 of those coming on the ground.
The Leopards first drive proved to be successful quickly, with the offense needing just four plays to put up seven. Three straight completions from quarterback Jordan Hernandez pushed the ball into Bearcat territory. McCown did the rest, housing a 43-yard touchdown for his first of two in the half.
After a three-and-out forced by the defense, it was another opportunity for the Leo offense to showcase their prowess. A more methodical drive resulted in the second touchdown, this one coming in the air as Kasey Gillis snagged a 20 yard pass for his first as a Leopard.
For the third straight drive, the offense made the most of their opportunity. McCown continued his success, ripping off another house call for 30 yards.
The fourth touchdown of the half came on a third-and-two pass, where Hernandez found a streaking Jimmy Rumsey in the middle of the field, who scampered 42 yards to push the lead to 25.
In the second half, Jacob Cuevas nailed a 23-yard field goal on the opening drive. Two touchdown catches from Jaden Beals pushed the lead even further, and the defense did their job to close out the win.
The Leopards also had an elite air attack. Hernandez went for 175 yards and three touchdowns, while senior Brian Rudden completed one pass for a 32-yard score. The receiver room had a balanced afternoon with four leaders adding impactful contributions. Jimmy Rumsey hauled in five passes for a team-high 71 yards and a touchdown, including a 42-yard reception. Kasey Gillis added three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown, while Jaden Beals provided a major impact with two catches for 41 yards and a team-high two touchdowns. Ronald Ropke contributed three receptions for 29 yards.
La Verne's defense was led by Brooklyn Pasten, who recorded a team-high nine tackles, including four solo stops and five assists, while Chase Yanez added seven tackles and a pass breakup. Dalton Tagaloa and Kaleb Harrison each contributed four tackles, while Justin Mondini finished with four tackles and a pass breakup. Jomar Brown added three tackles and a tackle for loss, while Devin Martin recorded three tackles and a quarterback hurry. Andres Viernes provided a strong impact up front with two tackles, a sack, and a quarterback hurry. JonLuke Vega also recorded a sack, while Trevon Kenney added three tackles of his own.
Cuevas was perfect on the day, converting all six of his extra-point attempts and connecting on a 23-yard field goal.
For the second straight week, La Verne dominated almost every statistical category. They outgained the Bearcats on the ground by an astonishing 261 yards. The Leopards also collected 519 total yards on 78 plays, nearly doubling Willamette's 272 yards on 70 plays.
Notables
– 519 total yards, most since 2021 (528 yards vs Chapman)
– 312 rushing yards, most since 2019 (375 yards vs Willamette)
–
Tyler McCown, most individual rushing yards, 230, since 2017 (258 yards, James Gonsalves vs Whittier)
– 45 points, most since 2021 (50 vs Whittier)
With the win, the Leopards move to 2-0 and will take on Chapman University on the road on Saturday, September 26th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 P.M.
