TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University football team held an early lead courtesy of touchdowns from Darius Chaffin but wasn't able to hold on down the stretch as University of Redlands spoiled the Lutes' opener 24-14 on Saturday at Bellarmine Prep's Memorial Field.

The game was scoreless until early in the second quarter when Chaffin orchestrated an 11-play, 85-yard drive that was capped off by a one yard plunge by the quarterback. A 24-yard completion to Patrick McInerny kept the drive going on a crucial third down while a pass interference call and a subsequent unsportsmanlike conduct call on Redlands (1-0) set the Lutes up at the one to setup Chaffin's score.

A short punt later in the half put the Lutes (0-1) in business at the 50-yard line. PLU capitalized on the good field position, getting completions to Jase Ellamar, McInerney, Kamaehuokalani Makanui, before a four yard toss and catch from Chaffin to Marc Basa gave the homestanding Lutes the 14-0 edge with 35 seconds before halftime.

Redlands covered 58 yards on six plays to score with three second left in the half and then took advantage of a Lute fumble on the opening kick of the second half to tie the game at 14 just 29 seconds into the third quarter. 

The Bulldogs booted a 35-yard field goal with 9:21 left in the third and then iced the game with a six-play, 50-yard drive with 4:35 left in the game to cement the 24-14 victory.

"We made too many critical mistakes, especially on special teams, that gave Redlands short fields. They seized the momentum and we never quite took it back," said Head Coach Brant McAdams.

"We need to get better at fundamental football to close the gap towards what we're capable of. We're capable of more than we showed today but that's why games are played; to see who gets it done in the moment. Today's Redlands did and we didn't."

Chaffin completed 11 of his 15 pass attempts for one touchdown while running for another. McInerny was the top target, hauling in four catches for 55 yards.

Nico Golla led the Lutes with 11 tackles, including 2.5 TFLs and four quarterback hurries. Colby Rhinelander and Kaysen Higa each had eight tackles and a forced fumble while Layne DePeralta had an interception.

"It's back to work next week."

The Lutes hit the road next Saturday, facing Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.