Hyland Puts Chapman on Higher Road

Greg Hyland’s senior season hasn’t quite shaped up the way he thought it would. Sure, he became the school’s all-time leading passer last week, leading Chapman to its second consecutive last-minute come-from-behind victory.

But he would trade any records for more wins.

“It feels good to finally get things going,” said Hyland, who has passed for 1,072 yards this season and 2,361 yards in his career. “Everyone is starting to believe in themselves.”

That wasn’t the case early in the season when Chapman lost its first four games, all against quality opponents.

Chapman, which lost only five games in its first three seasons since it reinstated football in 1994, lost to Western Washington, an NAIA finalist last season, and Willamette (Ore.), ranked third in the NAIA this season. Chapman also lost to Texas powers Hardin Simmons and Howard Payne.

But the Panthers (3-5) have won three of their last four games--the one loss to Division I-AA St. Mary’s (Calif.)--and Chapman’s recent turnaround has been sweet for Hyland, who has endured a concussion and shoulder injury this season.

Last week, Hyland led the Panthers on a game-winning 89-yard drive in the final two minutes to help Chapman defeat Cal Lutheran, 23-16.

The Panthers rolled up 214 yards rushing, their biggest output of the season, with their reserve running backs, which has become the norm since injuries have decimated Chapman’s backfield.

Robert Hayes, who did not have a carry coming into last Saturday’s game, gained 95 yards and scored the winning touchdown. Reserve fullback Stanley Spencer gained 76 yards, including a 50-yard run, the Panthers’ longest run from scrimmage this season.

“It was great to get the running game going,” Hyland said. “Stanley and Robert did a great job. We finally got some balance.”

The Panthers weren’t so balanced two weeks ago when Hyland set three single-game school records, completing 26 of 41 passes for 347 yards, to help Chapman rally to a 24-20 victory over La Verne.

Chapman would like one more victory in its season finale today when it hosts Azusa Pacific (4-4).

“But it would be nice to come out and score some points early, so the game won’t be such a nail-biter,” Hyland said. “Maybe put an exclamation point on the season so that people know that we do have a good team. We just had the rough start.”