Chapman Football Game Notes (Claremont-Mudd-Scripps)
Comeback Kids
Trailing by 21 points in the second quarter, Chapman's 45-35 come-from-behind win last week against Pomona-pitzer marked the largest deficit the Panthers have overcome for a win in school history. It was already the Panthers second comeback win of the season, having rallied to beat Whitworth in the fourth quarter of Week 1.
Digging a Hole
Chapman has fallen behind early in all three of its games this season, yet has rallied to win two of them. In fact, the Panthers have been out-scored 24-3 in first quarters this season and 65-24 in the first half. Chapman has not scored first all year nor has it led a game going into a fourth quarter this season.
What Scoring Struggles?
Last week these notes focused on the Panthers scoring just 23 points in their first two games - an average of 11.5 points. However, Chapman nearly doubled that total in just one game. In fact, the Panthers' 45 points last Saturday marked a high for the Panthers under head coach Bob Owens and was the most a Chapman team has scored since beating Lewis & Clark 53-0 in 2005.
Spreading the Wealth
Chapman's spread offense was quite literal last week as the Panthers racked up 427 yards of total offense and scored 45 points, yet not one individual caught or rushed for more than 89 yards or scored more than one touchdown. Six different Chapman players reached the endzone, including four different rushers.
Breaking Out
Senior QB Bret Visciglia continues to improve with each game under center. Not only did he pass for a season-high 221 yards last week against the Sagehens, but he tied a career-high with three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). After three games in 2010 Visciglia had thrown for 338 yards and one touchdown, but this year he has already thrown for 491 yards and four scores.
Touchdown Streak
Junior WR Kali'i Kunitomo extended his touchdown streak to three games with his 72-yard touchdown catch against Pomona-Pitzer in the third quarter on Saturday. He leads the Panthers in scoring with 18 points - one touchdown in each of Chapman's three games.
Wall of Protection
Going into the season, one of Chapman's strengths was expected to be in its offensive line. Thus far, that's held true as the offensive front five have given up just one sack and rank No. 8 in Division III in sacks allowed. That pass protection has helped the Panthers to a 122 quarterback efficiency rating.
Pressure Defense
With two more tackles behind scrimmage on Saturday, sophomore LB Anthony Ferraro climbed to No. 16 in Division III in tackles for loss, averging 2.0 per game. The second-year starter has six tackles for a loss of 30 yards already this season, including a team-leading two quarterback sacks.
Just Kickin' It
Although he has only played in two of the Panthers' three games, junior K Mauricio Alfonso is a perfect 4 for 4 in field goal attempts this season. And while it's early, Alfonso is on pace to set Chapman's single-season field goal record which is currently nine - set by two kickers Bill Hamlin (1994) and Matt Deter (2001). Alfonso is on pace for 16 with six games to play.
Hall of Fame Game
Saturday night is Chapman's annual Hall of Fame Game which will feature the inductions of three individuals at halftime of the Panthers' football game. The 2011 inductees are legendary basketball/baseball coach Don Perkins (posthumously), women's soccer player Lehua (Simmons) Werdel '00 and women's basketball player Melody Bongiorno Frank '04.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in 2011
The Stags are riding a two-game win streak entering Saturday's meeting with Chapman with the same 2-1 record. Claremont is coming off a 20-17 win over La Verne in its SCIAC opener last week, kicking four field goals en rout to the victory. The Stags have capitalized on a pair of teams still winless in 2011, beating Pacific (Ore.) (0-4) and La Verne (0-3). Claremont has won nine of its past 12 games dating back to last season when the Stags went 7-2 and finished third in the SCIAC.
Chapman vs. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Claremont snapped a three-game losing streak to the Panthers in 2010 with a 31-21 win at home against Chapman. In all, the Panthers own a 5-2 all-time advantage over the Stags, including a perfect 3-0 mark in Orange.
Chapman Football on Air
Chapman University Athletics has partnered with United Webcast to provide live streaming video of all home sporting events this fall including the five-game home football schedule. Live streaming video can be found online at: www.chapmanwebcast.com.
For the fifth-straight year, Chapman has partnered with the school's on-campus radio station, Chapman Radio, to broadcast all nine Panthers' football games in 2011 streaming live on the internet at http:www.chapmanradio.com/sports. A rotation of on-air student talent will provide play-by-play and commentary for every down of Chapman football.
