Despite the heat and humidity, the University of Redlands football team kicked off the 2010 season in fine fashion by defeating East Texas Baptist University in a 21-10 performance at Ornelas Stadium in Marshall, TX.
The Bulldogs took advantage of great field position after a short punt and a 15-yard return by junior wide receiver/returner Tyler Aubrey (San Diego, CA) in their second drive of the game. Three completed passes later, senior quarterback Dan Selway (Villa Park, CA) connected with sophomore wide receiver David Metcalf (Northridge, CA) on a 10-yard strike into the Tiger end zone for six points.
Redlands attempted a two-point conversion but came up short.
ETBU eventually answered late in the second quarter with a Brett Peddicord field goal from 35 yards out.
With a 6-3 lead, the Bulldogs tacked on two more touchdowns in their first two drives of the third quarter.
Selway appeared flawless on a 7-for-7 passing performance to start the second half, which culminated in a 14-yard scoring reception by graduate student wide receiver Evan Reuter (Cameron Park, CA) with just over 10 minutes to go in the quarter. During this time, Selway found four different receivers en route to a nine-play, 66-yard drive for the score.
Sophomore wide receiver Aaron Atkins (Fallbrook, CA) converted the pass play for two on the point-after attempt.
Ahead 14-3, the Bulldog defense forced ETBU to punt on fourth and one during its subsequent drive. Positioned on their own 27-yard line, Redlands seemed to struggle as players began cramping under the oppressive humidity. Back-up sophomore quarterback Chad Hurst (Dixon, CA) stepped in for an ailing Selway and successfully led the team downfield for a touchdown. Hurst connected with junior running back Tyson Moll (Bountiful, UT) on a three-yard pass into the end zone, giving the Bulldogs a 21-3 advantage with 5:03 left in the third quarter.
With time running out on the Tigers late in the fourth, ETBU put together a 51-yard drive on five plays to finally break through the Redlands defense for the score.
The Maroon and Gray successfully ran out the clock on its final possession by earning a first down on a three-yard carry by senior running back Daylan Swedlow (Lake Arrowhead, CA) before managing the final ticks of the game.
Selway provided a solid showing in the first game of the season, going 18-for-24 for a total of 146 yards. Metcalf led the receiving corps with 67 yards on eight grabs.
Defensively, junior defensive lineman Kevin Reyes (Trabuco Canyon, CA) racked up a team-leading eight tackles, including 1.5 for a loss. Senior defensive back Mike Nicolini (Novato, CA) recorded his first interception of the season, while junior defensive back Josh Herrera (Vista, CA) blocked a punt for the Bulldogs.
Redlands (1-0) returns home to the friendly confines of Ted Runner Stadium on Sept. 18 for a 7 p.m. showdown with Whitworth University (WA) of the Northwest Conference. Prior to the game, fans are invited to attend "Rah Rah Redlands," a fun, family event that takes place on the practice field just east of the stadium. For more information, please log onto www.goredlands.com.