Game Preview: Bulldog Football Faces CMS in Battle for First Place

Sat., Oct. 13, at 7:05 p.m.

Ted Runner Stadium

University of Redlands

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The University of Redlands football team competes at home for the second week in a row when it hosts the Stags of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges on Saturday, October 13, at 7:05 p.m. in Ted Runner Stadium.  In a battle of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's (SCIAC) unbeaten teams, the Bulldogs look to ride the momentum of last week's 39-26 win over Chapman University that showcased their fifth-ranked rush defense and new quarterback in impressive fashion.

Redlands held Chapman to only 273 yards of total offense, including 17 on the ground, to force the visitors into a one-dimensional style. 

"Our defense and coaches are doing such a great job," stated Head Coach Mike Maynard.  "Chapman was 3 of 11 on third downs and 0 of 1 on fourth down.  This success sets up our offense really well."

Speaking of the offense, sophomore quarterback Nathan Martinez (Redlands, CA) stepped in for an injured senior Levi Plante (Lake Arrowhead, CA) and led the team to five touchdowns and a field goal in the win.  Thirty-nine points marked a season-high for the Maroon and Gray.

"Nathan has prepared really well.  We knew that when he had the chance, he would execute the offense well and provide an emotional spark," added Maynard.

This week, Redlands faces the Stags to determine who will remain at the top of the conference standings.  A week ago, CMS knocked off Cal Lutheran University, 17-10, in a ground-game battle.  Junior running back Garrett Cheadle racked up 138 yards on 30 carries to account for most of the Stags' 251 yards of offense.  CMS only threw the ball 15 times in the win and maintained possession for more 36 minutes.

Defensively, the Stags rely on the big plays of senior linebacker Mitchell Allan and sophomore defensive back Cade Moffat.  Allan recorded two sacks against the Kinsgmen, while Moffat earned seven solo tackles and three pass break-ups.

"CMS is an excellent team overall.  They are playing a really hungry style of football," said Maynard.

With first place on the line, the Bulldogs look forward to the benefits of playing at home with a revitalized offense and a steady defense.  Redlands strives to utilize the consistent talents of senior running back Conner Kennedy (Olympia, WA), who went off for 150 yards on 33 carries for two touchdowns last week.

"He is a warrior and we're so proud of him. He gets really tough yards," added Maynard.

Defensively, the Maroon and Gray counts on the usual suspects to step up in big ways, including junior defensive back PJ Wilson (Modesto, CA), senior linebacker Nick Castro (La Verne, CA), junior defensive back Chad Virgil (Menifee, CA), junior defensive lineman Elias Hackney (Santa Monica, CA), and many others.

"Our best players need to play their best and rise to the occasion."

This week's selected captains include senior running back Ryan Rieta (Olympia, WA), senior offensive lineman Joey Caffaro (Jackson Hole, WY), junior linebacker Emari McClellan (Pasadena, CA), and senior defensive lineman Tobias Leonardos (Half Moon Bay, CA).