USD’s Offense Comes Alive in 31-21 Win Over La Verne

After a sluggish and scoreless first quarter, the University of San Diego scored 31 points in the second and third quarters, built a 31-7 lead and held on for a 31-21 nonconference football victory over La Verne Saturday.

It was the best offensive game of the season for USD (4-3).

Fullback Todd Jackson--18 carries for 100 yards and 1 touchdown--reached the 100-yard mark for the second week in a row and led a rushing attack that gained 201 yards. Quarterback Doug Piper completed 8 of 11 passes for 124 yards, including second-quarter touchdown passes to David Nottoli (69 yards) and Ty Barksdale (3 yards).

Barksdale’s score was set up by tackle David Gilmore’s interception and 30-yard return to the La Verne 5. The 2 touchdown passes and a 24-yard Jim Morrison field goal gave USD a 17-0 halftime lead.

La Verne scored on its first play of the second half, cutting USD’s lead to 10. Christopher Perez took a short toss from quarterback Mark Brown and raced 65 yards for the score.

Jackson and Todd Whitley had touchdown runs of 23 and 16 yards to close the scoring for USD.

“This is, by far, the best game we’ve ever played up here,” Fogarty said. “I was very happy we were up 31-7. I may have replaced the starters a little soon, but we got a chance to get a lot of kids in the game.”

USD had 4 interceptions and 6 sacks, including 2 by Dave Dunn to give him a team-leading 10 for the season. La Verne was held to just 4 yards rushing in 24 carries, but the Leopards threw for 284 yards.

Despite pressure from the USD pass rush, backup quarterback Larry Hoke completed 13 of 21 passes for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns.