Offensive errors cost Clan in loss to #17 Azusa Pacific

Richardson tosses four first-quarter interceptions in defeat

Game Recap: Aaron Martin (Sports Information Assistant)

Burnaby, BC – Overshadowing a terrific defensive performance, the SFU Clan football team (0-7, 0-5) committed five turnovers in the first half against the No 17-ranked Azusa Pacific Cougars (7-1, 6-0), four of which led directly to touchdowns. It proved too much for the Clan to overcome on Saturday at Swangard, as they fell 57-0.

“Our defense was outstanding today,” said SFU head coach Kelly Bates. “Offensively, we spotted them 42 points, basically, and that’s unheard of. That goes to show you that our execution is not where it needs to be.”

SFU quarterback Miles Richardson went 14-of-25 for 96 yards and four interceptions, while senior tailback Ante Litre led the rushing attack with 34 yards on 18 carries. Rookie receiver Gavin Cobb did a bit of everything for the Clan, most notably on his six kick returns, as he racked up an impressive 136 total yards. In a performance that belies the final box score, the SFU defense was led by linebacker Trevor Kemp‘s seven tackles (three solo, four assisted). Defensive lineman Tyrel Ratich also a great game at the point of attack, getting pressure on star APU quarterback Andrew Elffers, and forcing a goal-line fumble.

After stringing together a few nice plays to open the contest, the Clan’s opening drive went downhill in a hurry. Azusa Pacific notched a sack and a pick on back-to-back plays, the latter of which was run back by Cougars senior linebacker Jon Thropay for a 68-yard score.

Another good-looking SFU drive went for naught late in the first quarter, as Richardson tossed an errant ball down the right sideline. Azusa Pacific cornerback CJ Broussard made a terrific play on the ball, laying out to pick off Richardson for the second time of the contest.

The Cougars’ defense made some splash plays, the Clan stop unit was equally impressive in the opening quarter, holding the vaunted Azusa Pacific offense to 21 total yards and no points on eight plays.

With less than four minutes left in the frame, the Clan defense came up big once more. With Azusa Pacific in a first-and-goal situation, Cougars running back Kurt Scoby was drilled by Ratich just before he crossed the plain, dropping the ball. Linebacker Brad Lyons made a heads-up play to jump on the ball in the endzone, recovering the ball for SFU.

Richardson tossed another pick-six on the next drive, misfiring on an out route to the left hash marks. Senior cornerback Tyree Davis made the easy pick, racing back 38 yards to give Azusa the 14-0 lead late in the second quarter.

The Azusa defense kept coming on the next drive, sacking and forcing a fumble from Clan backup quarterback Mihai Lapuste. Cougars safety Taliuaki Suliafu scooped it up as the ball rolled towards the endzone, getting Azusa’s third defensive score of the afternoon.

In the half’s final minute, Richardson threw his fourth pick, and third pick-six, as his toss found Azusa DB Aaron Berry on the left sideline, who ran it back 50 yards to the house.

The second half saw Azusa bolster their lead with three offensive scores, although one was just a three-yard rush after SFU tailback Jalen Jana fumbled inside the Clan’s five-yard line.

The Clan will now head back out on the road, as they’re set to roll into Arcata, CA, to take on the Humboldt State Lumberjacks (4-4, 2-4). Kickoff is set for 6:00 pm.

 

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