Off to a Good Start
The Panthers are off to a 3-1 start this season which is their best start since 2008 when they also began the year 3-1. A win Saturday against Whittier would mark the best start to a Chapman football season since 1996 when they began the year 6-1.
Comeback Kids
Historically the Panthers have not been a come-from-behind team with a 22-61-1 record alltime when an opponent scores first and a 12-66-1 record when trailing at halftime. This year's squad however has thrived with its back to the wall with a 2-1 record when an opponent scores first. Chapman has trailed at halftime in each game this season pulling out three come-from-behind wins.
Bending, But Not Breaking
The Chapman 'D's 'bend, but don't break' mentality is no more evident than in its opponents' red zone statistics. The Panthers kept Claremont from scoring three times from within the red zone last week and have stopped their opponents 33 percent of the time this season. On one possesion, sophomore LB Anthony Ferraro blocked a Claremont field goal attempt. The Panthers D also had a game-winning fourth down stop in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Wall of Protection
Going into the season, one of Chapman's strengths was expected to be its offensive line. Thus far, that's held true as the offensive front five have given up just one sack and rank No. 3 in Division III in sacks allowed. That pass protection has helped the Panthers to a 122 quarterback efficiency rating.
Extra, Extra (Points)
Thanks to the footwork of junior Mauricio Alfonso and senior Jimmy Adranly, the Panthers have successfully kicked 27 consecutive PATs dating back to last season. In fact, Alfonso has been perfect in his career going 31 for 31 over the past two seasons. They still have a ways to go to touch the school record from 2007-09 when Chapman kicked 54 extra points consecutively.
Turnover Free Football
Against Claremont on Saturday, Chapman played a turnover-free game for the first time since defeating Whittier 29-17 last season, a span of eight games.
Recent Homecoming Game History
Chapman is 4-1 under head coach Bob Owens in Homecoming games. Whittier defeated Chapman 21-6 in 2009, handing Owens' his lone Homecoming loss at Chapman. Chapman then rebounded in 2010 to defeat La Verne 38-25 and get the Homecoming win.
Attendance Record vs. Whittier for 2009 Homecoming
When Chapman and Whittier met for Homecoming in 2009, the teams set an attendance record at Ernie Chapman stadium with an announced crowd of 4,496.
Whittier in 2011
Whittier is 1-3 this year with losses to Azusa Pacific (51-3), Occidental (31-17) and Cal Lutheran (56-0). The Poets defeated Puget Sound 66-48 at home for their lone win of 2011. In the game, Whittier rolled up a school record 651 yards of total offense including 456 yards through the air.
Punt the Ball Out of Bounds
That may be the best strategy against Whittier's punt return team which is averaging 22.50 yards per return which ranks second in Division III behind Wabash College. Wabash is averaging 24.5 yards per return.
Chapman vs. Whittier
Chapman is 11-3 alltime against Whittier. The Panthers defeated the Poets 29-17 last season on the road. In that game, Chapman rushed for 217 yards and two touchdowns led by sophomore QB Michael Lahey who ran for 83 yards and a touchdown. Senior WR Mike Lambesis also had a big day for the Panthers' offense catching eight balls for 89 yards and a TD.
Chapman Stat Leaders
Passing: Bret Visciglia (68-113, 689 Yds., 6 TD, 4 INT)
Rushing: Chad Milburn (159 Yds., 1 TD)
Receiving: Kali'i Kunitomo (17 catches, 215 Yds. 3 TD)
Tackles: Kellen Matsuno 28 (18 solo, 10 assisted)
Tackles for Loss: Ferraro (6.5)
Sacks: Ferraro (2)
Interceptions: Jason Jacobi (1), Cody Chapple (1)
Whittier Stat Leaders
Passing: Chris Lopez (78-143, 980 Yds., 4 TD)
Rushing: Lopez (125 Yds., 1 TD)
Receiving: Oreese Hoyes (22 catches, 266 Yds.)
Tackles: Travis Driskell 46 (22 solo, 24 assisted)
Tackles for Loss: Driskell (5)
Sacks: Charles Scicli (1), Karsten Tindal (1)
Interceptions: Anthony Bennett (2), Alex Mitchell (2)
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.
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