The University of La Verne football lost a late lead for the second week in a row, falling, 41-34, to Cal Lutheran Saturday at Mt. Clef Stadium in Thousand Oaks.
Danny Jones' touchdown pass to Kellan Mayberry with 31 seconds remaining broke a 34-34 tie, and propelled the Kingsmen to a come-from-behind, 41-34 victory over the Leopards.
On the opening possession, sophomore quarterback Brian Guerrero scored from one yard out which capped off a 10-play, 65-yard opening drive which put ULV on top, 7-0.
The Leopards struck 19 seconds later on a pass from Guerrero to junior wide receiver Roger Logan to increase ULV's lead to 14-0.
“Offensively, we hit stride,” sophomore safety Gabriel Segovia said.
Despite the quick start, La Verne was unable to sustain the early lead.
Jones put the Kingsmen back out front with a 57-yard pass to junior running back Charlie Brown.
The touchdown capped off a 60-yard drive that took all but three plays, and put Cal Lutheran ahead for the first time, 21-14.
Guerrero, doing as he has done all year, answered back with a 13-yard touchdown pass of his own to senior wide receiver Michael Raffee. The touchdown capped off the 53-yard drive and put ULV back out in front, 23-21, with 6:48 to play in the half.
“Brian continues to improve and contribute big numbers to our offensive effort,” La Verne head coach Don Morel said.
The touchdown completed the seesaw battle of the first half with ULV taking a slim 23-21 lead.
The Kingsmen would kick off the scoring in the second half with a 33-yard field goal from kicker Alex Espinoza with 10:49 to play in the third quarter.
Cal Lutheran would add a touchdown three minutes later on a 32 yard run from senior Craig Herrera.
The touchdown capped a 10-point run and put the Kingsmen ahead, 31-23.
Cal Lutherans' defense held its own in the third quarter, preventing La Verne scores on numerous possessions.
ULV finally got on the board in the second half with a 1-yard run from Guerrero.
The two-point conversion was successful which tied the game at 31.
“The game was back and forth all day,” Guerrero said.
With 13:45 to play in the fourth quarter, ULV kicker Dave Rinderknecht connected from 39 yards out.
The field goal ended the 39-yard drive and put the Leopards in front, 34-31.
The Kingsmen countered with a field goal of their own when Espinoza connected from 24 yards out to tie the scoreat 34.
For the second week in a row, the ULV defense was unable to hold off its opponents.
Kellan Mayberry's 18-yard touchdown reception with 31 seconds to play put the icing on the cake as the Kingsmen surged ahead and defeated the Leopards, 41-34.
“Defensively, it came down to us making mental errors,” Segovia said. “We gave up too many big plays, and too many third down conversions.”
“They put it together in the end, and we didn't,” Guerrero said.
Guerrero finished the day 22 of 42 for 292 yards and two touchdowns. He also accounted for both rushing touchdowns as well.
Defending Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference player of the week Danny Jones of Cal Lu was 20 of 28 for 348 yards and three touchdowns.
In a game of offense, Cal Lutheran totaled 467 yards of total offense compared to 382 yards for the Leopards.
“I am absolutely disappointed that we lost,” Morel said. “But I am very happy with the progress we have made.”
ULV dropped to 2-4 on the year, and 2-2 in SCIAC play.
The Kingsmen improved to 2-3 on the year, and 1-2 in SCIAC play.
La Verne has a bye this weekend, but will return to action in a non-conference meeting against Chapman at 7 p.m., Oct. 30 in Orange.
SCIAC play resumes against Occidental at 1 p.m., Nov. 6 in Ortymayer Stadium.
Steven Falls can be reached at sfalls21@msn.com.