PUYALLUP, Wash. - The 2014 Cal Lutheran football season started with a thriller in the Pacific Northwest against d3football.com No. 17 Pacific Lutheran this afternoon. Unfortunately for Cal Lutheran it was PLU that held a 35-28 edge as time expired on the gridiron today.
On a day that the teams were ever-so-evenly matched, CLU edged PLU in passing yards (255-173) and PLU had an advantage on the ground (253-155) and overall with 426 total yards to Cal Lutheran's 410. Both teams went 4-for-5 in red zone chances. The Kingsmen produced 25 first downs, were 8-for-16 on third-down conversions and 1-for-3 on fourth-down conversions. The Lutes had a similar line with 23 first downs, a 6-for-14 showing on third-down conversions and were successful on 2-for-3 fourth-down conversions. Each team lost a fumble. Defensively, CLU had more tackles (65) than PLU (60), but both units produced tackles for a total loss of 17 yards, recorded a sack and picked off the opposition, though PLU had two interceptions. Both kickers were perfect in point after touchdown (PAT) attempts as well.
Diego Marquez kicked off for the first time of the season and though the Lutes used an eight-play, 74-yard drive capped off with a four yard scurry into the end zone from Niko Madison for the first scoring of the day 4:41 into the game, the Kingsmen responded in six plays over the next 2:10 to match the opening PLU drive. A David Rico 10-yard TD pass to Sean Bellotti closed out with a point after from Marquez knotted the teams at 7-7 after the first two possessions of the game.
On the ensuing drive the Lutes again trotted across the goal line on a two-yard run by Darin Hardgrove, doubling up the visiting Violet and Gold 14-7 in the first quarter. Late in the opening frame PLU managed the clock and once the stanza switched the Lutes completed the 80-yard drive for their third touchdown in as many opportunities. The one-yard rush from Kyle Madsen pushed the Pacific Lutheran lead to 21-7.
Neither side would add any more crooked numbers over the final 13-plus minutes of the half as the teams entered the locker rooms separated by 14 points. Nick Isham made his CLU debut in the second stanza and nearly added to the tally, but Greg Hibbard picked off a pass at the goal line and returned it 67 yards for the Lutes with four ticks to play before the break.
The biggest difference in the opening 30 minutes was the foot game with PLU racking up 209 yards to Cal Lutheran's 43. The Kingsmen edged the Lutes in the air 93 yards to 52.
After the intermission CLU received the ball and capitalized right away. Less than three minutes into the third quarter EJ Edinburgh rushed two yards for a score and another Marquez PAT pulled the Kingsmen within a single possession.
Though there was no more scoring in the third, the fourth frame began with a bang for the visiting team. After being forced to punt on fourth down with eight yards to go Jack McFarland booted the ball 22 yards and the Kingsmen were able to recover a fumble at the PLU29. Back under center, Rico opted to use his own foot game against the Lutes, scampering four yards into the end zone for his first rushing TD of the year. A third Marquez point after knotted the teams up at 21-21 with 12:57 remaining in regulation.
Just 24 seconds later the Lutes responded with a two-play drive that ended on a 68-yard touchdown completion from Dalton Ritchey to Kyle Warner to earn the lead back for PLU. Déjà vu happened again as another fumble took place. This time it was detrimental to the Kingsmen when Madison mimicked his first quarter touchdown by rushing for a second four-yard score with 8:29 to go, which was ultimately the winning play.
Two CLU possessions later Isham would connect with Andrew Worthley for a four-yard completion and touchdown to cut the deficit to seven with just 2:06 to play.
Cal Lutheran was forced to attempt an onside kick, but the Lutes recovered the ball at their own 49-yard line. They were unable to add any insurance as the Kingsmen held them to a three-and-out, setting up the late-game drama. With 21 seconds remaining, the pesky defensive unit from PLU struck again with a second interception, by Spencer McKinnon, to squash the come-from-behind effort by the Violet and Gold. The home squad was able to kneel for the final play and lock up the win.
Overall, Rico and Isham split time in the pocket. Rico went 8-for-14 for 85 yards with his longest throw for 18 yards to Alix Moise Jr. Isham finished 15-for-25 for 17- yards and a long throw of 26 yards to Thomas Asaije Jr. The quarterback duo combined to rush for 101 yards with Isham running for 66 including a 29 yard gain. His 8.2 yards per carry led the Kingsmen today. The receiving leader was Bellotti with five catches for 55 yards and a long catch of the day marked at 24 yards. Worthley and Jojo Curiel each caught four passes for 41 and 40 yards, respectively, each nabbing a long pass of 15 yards.
On special teams, Marquez kicked off four times and McFarland punted five. Ray Johnson topped Isham for all-purpose yards with 79 as he had a pair of kick returns for 41 total yards.
Robert Foy led all players with 8.0 tackles, including five solo and a sack for a loss of 11 yards. The only CLU interception of the day came by way of Lucas Quinn who was able to return the pick for 20 yards. Eddie Flores and Logan Sanders each finished with eight tackles and six of Flores' were solo stops.
Cal Lutheran (0-1) will return to William Rolland Stadium for a home opener on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 12:00 p.m. The Kingsmen will host the Willamette Bearcats in their final non-conference game of the year.
Box Score: PLU 35, CLU 28
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