Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
Occidental 33, La Verne 27
By Anthony Avila
LA VERNE — After a defensive struggle in the first half, the Occidental Tigers capitalized on both sides of the ball after the break to jump ahead of the Leopards on their way to a 33-27 win in their SCIAC opener. Coming off a a bye week, the Tigers had plenty of time to improve on their disappointing result in Texas. The extra practice proved to give the Tigers the edge especially on the defensive end, as the unit held the Leopards' explosive offense to 27 points after they averaged 48.5 in their first two games.
Turning Point Following a great punt by Samuel Crizer which pinned La Verne inside their own 5-yard line, Leopard quarterback Justin Gomez dropped back and threw a pass to the weak side flat, but Oxy defensive back Shay Mueller jumped in front, snatched the ball and strolled into the end zone to put Oxy up 23-7.
Close Call: In the middle of the 3rd quarter, La Verne quarterback Justin Gomez engineered a 67 yard scoring drive down the field for the Leopards. The drive was capped off by a 28-yard touchdown reception by Brian Okereke closing Oxy's lead to 24-14.
The Leopards gave the Tigers one last scare when Justin Gomez scored on a quarterback keeper to pull ULV within six points with 7 seconds to go. Needing an onside kick to keep their hopes alive, Oxy recovered the attempt, sealing the win in their SCIAC opener.
Players of the Game: Samuel Stekol hauled in 13 receptions for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns, none bigger than his 36-yard reception in the 3rd quarter that woke up Oxy's offense attack.
Defensive Standouts: The Tigers' defense played tough all night making game-changing plays throughout the entire game. In addition to Mueller's pick-six, the Tigers came came up big, blocking a Dax McGregor punt resulting in a safety.
Marcus McDuffie anchored the Tigers' defense recording seven solo tackles and 11 total on the night.
Play of the Game: Opening the 3rd quarter, with the Tigers inside the ULV 40 yard line, Bryan Scottdropped back and found Samuel Stekol on the sideline for a 36 yard touchdown connection giving the Tigers a 17-0 lead.
Season Impact: The Tigers start off SCIAC play on the right track with victory. The win gives Oxy needed momentum into their highly anticipated rematch against the Poets.
Next Game: The Tigers return home next week to face Whittier College and look to win back "the shoes" on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Jack Kemp Stadium
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