Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond
PUYALLUP, Wash. - It took every second of Saturday's season opener at Sparks Stadium for Pacific Lutheran University to secure a 17-14 win over California Lutheran University.
Jon Schaub got the start at quarterback for PLU (1-0) and took advantage of his opportunity. leading the Lutes on a 12 play, 78-yard opening drive that lasted 6:11. The drive was capped when Deren Hardgrove caught a five yard pass from Schaub. Dallan Rodriguez made the extra point attempt, and the Lutes led 7-0.
"It felt great," said Schaub. "To start the game off with a touchdown. We still made a handful of mistakes on that first drive. We were able to flush it, fix it, and move on. It shows the maturity and the experience we have. It was fun to be successful as an offense and move down the field."
Schaub split time with Cole Chandler at quarterback. Despite sitting out a couple offensive series, Schaub was effective, going 13-for-25 with 146 yards and two touchdowns.
"I'm very proud of him," said head coach Scott Westering. "Played very well, and as always made very accurate throws. They started playing a lot of man-to-man, when you face man-to-man, throws have to be on people and accurate. He did well with that and played very well."
California Lutheran (0-1) didn't lay down after the early score from the Lutes. The Kingsmen scored with 40 seconds remaining in the first half when Aaron Lacombe caught a pass from Adam Friederichsen. Cal Lutheran scored again early in the fourth quarter when Wendle O'Brein caught a 34-yard pass from Friedrichsen to stake a 14-7 lead.
PLU needed a big play on defense, and they got it from one of their senior captains. Near the seven minute mark in the third quarter, Derek Chase leaped into the air and picked off a Friederichsen pass. As the intended receiver tried to pull Chase to the ground, Chase pitched the ball to Tabby Yu, who took the ball 31 yards up the visiting sideline.
"It was just a heads up play," said Chase. "We made eye contact and we didn't lose it, so it worked out."
"Derek and I joked about that at practice, if anyone had the chance to pitch the ball. It seemed like time slowed down. The guy was wrapped around him. We made eye contact, and I moved a little to the left to get behind him, so it was legal. He pitched it to me and it was just go, and follow my block," said Yu.
PLU almost failed to take advantage of the interception. Schaub missed a wide open DJ Winter on a chance for a big play. Later Schaub connected with DJ Winter for a 15 yard touchdown to tie the game at 14 all.
"I tried so hard to get it to him, that I short armed him." Schaub said. "The team expects more from me, I expect more from me. We were able to bounce back, we're toilets, we flush it, we fixed it. DJ made a nice route to shake the safety and create a wide open space for me to throw the ball. It was good for him to bounce back."
PLU still needed to put points on the board to take the lead. The team got the ball late in the third quarter. Rodriguez capped a 10 play, 68 yard drive with a 29 yard field goal that would prove to be the game winner for the Lutes. PLU led 17-14 with 11:21 remaining in the game.
CKU got its chance to tie or take the lead late in the fourth quarter. The Kingsmen got the ball with 1:32 left in the game on their own 26 yard line. Cal Lutheran completed a 21 yard pass, and a 16 yard pass to get close to field goal range. Nick Covey missed two field goals early in the game, one from 29 yards and another from 32 yards. With eight seconds left on the clock. Friedrechson threw the ball towards the corner of the end zone. The pass was broken up by Travis McMillion securing victory for the Lutes.
It was fitting for McMillion to be involved in the final play of the game. McMillion had been everywhere on the field as he led the Lute defense in tackles. The Junior had 8.5 tackles including three for loss.
"Together," said McMillion. "I think that was a huge thing, we played together. Our motto for the day was next play, we are going to make mistakes, but we got to move on. That was the key, we moved on. We made big plays, and kept their big plays to a minimum."
The California Lutheran offense outgained the PLU offense 427 to 271. The Kingsmen had more field to travel due in large part to the efforts of Anthony Louthan. The Lute punter boomed the ball all afternoon long, punting seven times for 282 yards, averaging 40.3 yards per punt.
"That's the expectation of Anthony, and will be for the next couple of years," said Westering. "There is no doubt, that that guy in his career will make a difference here... As a punter. He's a weapon."
Marc Gallant and Hardgrove lead the way for the Lutes rushing attack. The two barrelled their way through CLU defenders, combining for 21 carries, 96 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
"It's attributed all the way through," said Westering. "From the scheme that our run game coordinator Trevor Roberts puts it together. The line, it starts with them up front. You can't run it without those guys. Both of those guys work so hard in the offseason. It was a joy to watch both those kids run real hard today."
The Lutes travel the Texas next week to face Trinity University in San Antonio.
