Occidental Shuts Down Redlands

Eric Carlson admitted to what was readily apparent to the naked eye--that the Redlands tailback is still uncomfortable with the Bulldogs’ wing-T offense.

“I’m definitely not happy with my performance,” said Carlson, who rushed for 60 yards in 14 carries and fumbled 5 times Saturday night.

Four of the fumbles resulted in turnovers and Occidental took advantage for a 10-0 victory in a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener at Redlands.

Carlson’s most crucial fumble came with 14:09 to play. He coughed up the ball in the Redlands end zone and it was recovered by Tiger cornerback Ben White for the only touchdown of the game.

“It was a goal-line sweep,” White said. “I’m thinking, get on the ball--TD right now.”

Redlands quarterback Robbie Lough threw just 4 passes and completed only 1 for 11 yards. Bulldog fullback Ruffin Patterson led all rushers with 98 yards in 16 carries.

But Lough wasn’t frustrated by having to hand off most of the game.

“I felt that the coaches had a game plan and I was willing to follow through,” said Lough, who received a nasty bruise on his neck from a hit by Occidental linebacker Dave Hodges.

Redlands’ only two scoring chances came in the third quarterback when Rick Bennett and Patrick McLeod missed field-goal attempts of 43 and 44 yards.

Tiger quarterback Paul Gamberdella, a sophomore transfer, started in place of Tony Werbelow, who injured his shoulder against Azusa Pacific last Saturday.

Gamberdella completed 2 of 7 for 26 yards. Mike Sandlin led Occidental ballcarriers with 70 yards in 24 carries.

“We wanted to put the burden on the other 21 guys,” Coach Dale Widolff said of Gamberdella’s restricted role.

Ty Wingard, a defensive back who attempts Occidental’s longer field goals, converted from 45 yards with 3:42 to play in the second quarter to give the Tigers a 3-0 halftime lead.

The drive began after Carlson, who had 39 yards in 8 carries, fumbled after a 10-yard gain. Wingard recovered at the Occidental 30. Occidental, which did not make a first down until 1:30 of the second quarter, was limited to 87 yards in the first half.

Gamberdella completed 2 of 5 passes for 26 yards and Mike Sandlin gained 28 yards in 12 carries in the half.

The Bulldogs’ Patterson, who opened the game with runs of 15, 10 and 14 yards, cooled off and finished the half with 56 yards in 8 carries.