Stags Make Statement

In its own methodical way, the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps’ football team is making a powerful statement this season. The Stags surprised Lewis & Clark with big plays early before relying on what it does best, using the powerful running of Ryan Gocong and another strong defensive performance in a 21-0 nonconference victory Saturday night at Claremont.

Gocong had 190 yards on 34 carries. But it was the shutout--the first by a Claremont team since Oct. 14, 1989--that made an impression. Trent Thompson’s 340 passing yards went for naught against the Claremont defense.

“We did not want them to get a big play on us because that’s all they did last week,” said Claremont linebacker Vinny Fazio of Lewis & Clark’s 49 points against Pomona-Pitzer.

“We wanted to make them drive the field because we figured if you throw it enough times, you’re going to make a mistake at some point.”

Claremont (3-0) punctuated the victory with a 16-play, 80-yard drive that ate up nine minutes 25 seconds of the fourth quarter. Spencer Schomer scored on a 33-yard run, the Stags’ longest rush of the night, for the final margin.