THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — After scoring on their first six possessions and taking a 38-0 lead in the first half, the Cal Lutheran football team cruised to victory as the Kingsmen defeated the Pacific Boxers 45-28 on Saturday night in William Rolland Stadium.
Senior quarterback Cesar De Leon made his second career start with the Kingsmen and was on fire as he tied the program's single-game passing touchdown record with six. He completed 22-of-34 attempts for 343 yards as he hooked up with 10 different receivers.
Cal Lutheran (1-1) jumped all over Pacific, with De Leon throwing five touchdowns in the first half. The game was defined offensively and defensively in the first half. The Kingsmen outgained the Boxers in total yards, 395 to 85, and had an average of 8.6 yards per play compared to Pacific's 3.0.
On the receiving end of the touchdowns was freshman Cameron Jones and senior Josh Ketcher for two touchdowns each and junior Jajuan Thomas and senior Marcellous Lewis both had one. Jones led the team with 94 yards on three receptions, and had a long of 48, and junior James Holland tallied three receptions for 78 yards and a long of 66.
The defense stepped up and shut out the Boxers in the first half. For the game, senior Ethan Pulley led a stingy defense with three sacks for a loss of 18 yards. Sophomore Zion Brown was the team-leader with 10 tackles, including seven solo tackles.
Junior Brandon Monroe, and sophomore Connor McDermott were next with five tackles apiece and sophomore Keshaun Charles, senior Jamon Ward, senior Garrett Long, senior Tecoy Porter and senior Gianluca Vanni all had three each. Senior Obasi Dees added an interception for the second straight game.
Senior Christian Antezana kicked five extra points and made 1-of-2 field goals for a total of eight points and junior Morgan Salzwedel also converted on her point after attempt.
The Kingsmen scored touchdowns on their first three possessions of the game and took an early 21-0 lead just minutes into the second quarter. The Kingsmen kept the scoring drives going and added a 22-yard field goal from Antezana to increase the lead.
Cal Lutheran scored on its first six possessions as they added two more touchdowns and had a 38-0 lead at the half. The Kingsmen cruised the rest of the way as they torched the Pacific Boxers for a final score of 45-28.
CLU continues the season at home. The Kingsmen get a tough test as UW-Stout comes to William Rolland Stadium on Saturday. The kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Box Score: CLU 45, PAC 28
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director