CLU Avoids Defeat When Azusa Pacific Misses Field-Goal Attempt

In a game neither team deserved to win, Cal Lutheran and Azusa Pacifc played to a 14-14 tie in a nonconference game Saturday at Mt. Clef Stadium.

The Cougars (2-1-1) had a chance to win with five seconds left, but Chris Campbell’s 38-yard field-goal attempt fell short. It was Campbell’s third missed field-goal try of the day.

The Kingsmen (0-2-1) also blew some opportunities.

After Chad Valousky intercepted Ryan Hawkins’ pass at the Cal Lutheran eight-yard line late in the second quarter, Ryan Huisenga led a 12-play, 79 yard drive that finally stalled at the Azusa Pacific 13.

Cal Lutheran came away empty-handed when Bach Stabile’s 30-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left with 37 seconds left in the half.

“I’m relieved, yet disappointed at the same time,” Kingsman Coach Joe Harper said. “We didn’t make the big plays, but neither did they.”

Cal Lutheran struck first early in the second quarter when Huisenga, who completed 24 of 41 passes for 257 yards, connected with Ivan Moreno on a 10-yard scoring play.

The Cougars answered on their next possession, a 70-yard drive capped when Hawkins hit D.J. Williams in the end zone on a seven-yard slant, to tie the score, 7-7, going to halftime.

The Kingsmen opened the second half with a 53-yard drive, but came away with nothing when Stabile’s 54-yard field-goal attempt fell short.

Cal Lutheran got the ball back by forcing Marcus Slaten, who rushed for 234 yards in 24 carries, to fumble. Nine plays later, Huisenga dove over right guard on a quarterback sneak to give the Kingsmen a 14-7 lead.

Six minutes later, the Cougars scored on a 46-yard pass from Hawkins to Darrell Nolan, who was wide open in the end zone.

Hawkins completed 13 of 20 for 214 yards.

Harper, whose team begins Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play Saturday at Occidental, said he needs to work out some kinks if the Kingsmen are going to make a run at the Conference title.

“We are not where we need to be right now,” Harper said. “But we certainly plan to be ready.”