Azusa Pacific Prevails, 23-18, to Put End to USD’s Streaks

It wasn’t such a good night for streaks.

University of San Diego’s football team, winner of three straight games, each by 28-0, had its run come to an end Saturday night in a 23-18 loss to Azusa Pacific at USD Stadium.

The Toreros’ streak of 12 straight scoreless quarters ended when Ken Arlt kicked a 37-yard field goal late in the first quarter to give Azusa Pacific a 3-0 lead.

Four minutes into the second quarter, the Toreros’ 13-quarter streak without allowing a touchdown ended when Richard Jimenez completed a touchdown pass to Rick Reddaway for 14 yards. Arlt kicked the extra point.

USD rallied to go ahead, 12-10, midway through the third quarter, but Azusa Pacific came back with a pair of touchdown runs by Marvin Walker, thereby putting an end to the Toreros’ most important streak, its three consecutive victories.

USD fell to 3-1-1. Azusa Pacific, which began the season with three losses, improved to 2-3.

The Toreros’ defense, a victim of some poor punt coverage that put Azusa Pacific in good field position for its first two scores, finally allowed a long drive in the third quarter.

After Mark Fenick kicked a 32-yard field goal to give USD a 12-10 lead, Azusa Pacific put together a 66-yard, 10-play drive, culminating in a six-yard scoring run by Walker with 42 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Arlt kicked the extra point to give Azusa Pacific a 17-12 lead.

On the Toreros’ next possession, USD quarterback Brendan Murphy fumbled after being sacked and Azusa Pacific recovered on the USD 29.

Four plays later, Walker ran it in from the three, and Azusa Pacific led, 23-12. Arlt’s kicked was wide.