Darnell Gilbert
Staff Writer

The University of La Verne football team fell to Redlands, 32-14, last Saturday night at Ted Runner Stadium in Redlands.

The Leopards came into the game with high hopes of defeating the Bulldogs. Quarterback Brain Guerrero tried to carry the Leopards on his back, throwing for 301 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Leandre Allen caught eight passes for 77 yards.

“As a team we didn’t do a good job reading the defense,” Allen said.

The Bulldogs were led by running back Karl Mikolon, who rushed for 222 yards on 22 carries. Mikolon highlighted the game with a 72-yard run for one of his two touchdowns. Kyle Godfrey and Alex Ballad also caught touchdown passes.

The Leopards offense outplayed the Redlands defense but they were not able to capitalize on goal-line opportunities.

“Some things didn’t come together on offense,” receiver Matt Griffin said.
“Redlands defense didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves.”

Credit must be given where credit is due because the Redlands defense did play well when it counted. Redlands picked off Guerrero three times, one was returned for 42 yards that led to a Bulldog score. Kris Richardson added two sacks and four tackles for the Bulldogs.

Redlands held the Leopards to 100 yards of rushing, which is well below the Leopards average and only allowed running back Mike Anello 49 yards of rushing. Dustin Elliot was also on lock down breaking his streak of three consecutive games with 100 yards receiving. The Leopards managed to only compile 405 yards of total offense while Redlands gained more than 500 yards.

Part of the Leopards problems on the field is due to injuries on offense. Roger Logan played despite suffering a knee and ankle sprain in the Claremont game, which kept him from full strength. Guerrero also was still recovering from an ankle sprain and Phillip Craig is still seeing limited action due to lash arm.

“Injuries are limiting our performance on the field,” Logan said. “Once we get over these injuries everything will be okay.”

With these offensive threats sidelined and not 100 percent, it will be hard for the Leopards to win any more games. These players’ contributions are irreplaceable. All three are All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference selections and provide veteran leadership.

If the Leopards plan on winning a SCIAC championship, they must address their issues on defense. In both losses they have allowed more than 30 points.

The Leopards battle Cal Lutheran on Homecoming at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Ortmayer Stadium. Cal Lutheran defeated La Verne last year, 41-34, in a come from behind victory.

Darnell Gilbert can be reached at flawlessgee@yahoo.com.