THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Cal Lutheran football (4-0, 2-0 SCIAC) remained undefeated after storming back from a 14-point deficit to defeat Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (2-2, 0-2 SCIAC) 22-17 at William Rolland Stadium. 

The opening quarter was rough for the Kingsmen, as CMS jumped out to a 14-0 lead behind two quick scores. But from there, Cal Lutheran's defense flipped the switch, locking in for one of its most resilient performances of the season. Both teams traded heavy defensive blows, each recording four sacks and forcing an interception, but it was the
Kingsmen who found the extra gear down the stretch. The Kingsmen shut out the Stags in the second half, finishing the night on a 19-0 run in what turned into a gritty conference brawl.

Wide receiver TeNorris Merkel was key in breaking open the CMS man coverage late, hauling in six receptions for 80 yards and giving the offense the spark it needed. Kicker Matthew Montegna came through under pressure, going 3 for 4 on field goals and accounting for nine total points—including two crucial makes in the fourth quarter to seal the comeback.

On defense, Logan Bowers led the charge with eight total tackles, while JD Vargas and Blake Hurly combined for the game-defining stop on a fourth-and-one with just two minutes remaining. The Stags, looking to ice the game, were stopped short—swinging all momentum back to the Kingsmen, who capitalized to close it out.

With the win, Cal Lutheran moves to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in SCIAC play, while CMS drops its second straight. The Kingsmen will look to extend their unbeaten start next weekend when they travel to La Verne.