Don’t Call It a Comeback! Down 21-3, Football Scores 22 Straight Points to Take Down Puget Sound to Stay Undefeated

Nick Lasher is ready for the snap in Cal Lutheran's win. (Photo: Chris Barron)
Nick Lasher is ready for the snap in Cal Lutheran's win. (Photo: Chris Barron)

TACOMA, Wash. — Jackson Taylor scored the final touchdown on a two-yard run and California Lutheran University football stayed undefeated by taking down Puget Sound 25-21 on Saturday afternoon.

A stop by the Cal Lutheran defense with three minutes remaining in the game, gave the Kingsmen a chance for the tie or win. Quarterback Nick Lasher found wide receiver James Holland for 33 yards and the Kingsmen were in business at Puget Sound's 6-yard line. 

After a penalty for offensive pass interference, Taylor found the back of the endzone and the Kingsmen defense did the rest. 

In the first meeting between the teams, the Loggers were cruising, up 21-3 before the Kingsmen stormed back with 22 straight points. CLU improved to 3-0, the first time since 2015. Sweeping their non-conference opponents, the Purple and Gold take their winning streak into conference play in two weeks. 

Cal Lutheran was held to three points through three quarters, but with 9:14 remaining, the Kingsmen made their move. 
 
Not even a minute later, Lasher hooked up with Cameron Jones for a 63-yard score. It was Jones' fifth touchdown catch this season. 

On the ensuing possession, with Puget Sound punting, Zion Brown returned it 42 yards for the score. The momentum stayed with the Kingsmen as the defense continued to shine in the fourth quarter and the offense put on the finishing touches. 

Lasher was 13-for-25 for 204 yards and the lone the touchdown. Jones led the receiving group with four catches and 115 yards and the score. Taylor was held quiet for most of the game, but scored his rushing touchdown when it counted the most. 

Connor McDermott led the defense with 11 tackles, 10 solo, and had one tackle-for-loss. The defense worked as a unit as Randal Voutt (eight), Brown (six), JD Lang (six), Daylen Wilson (five) and Hector Palacios (five) each had at least five tackles. 

Palacios and Maxwell Nazarko both added a sack and Wilson and Caleb Casimere tallied a tackle-for-loss. Keshaun Charles had a big fumble recovery and Lang led the defense with three pass break-ups. 

The Loggers bested the Kingsmen in almost every offensive category, but the game came down to heart  at the end. It was the Purple and Gold that wanted it more and came up with clutch plays in the fourth quarter. 

The Kingsmen get the week off before returning home for their conference opener. Cal Lutheran welcome La Verne on Oct. 2 and kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Box Score: CLU 25, UPS 21
CLU Instagram: CLUSports
Sport IG: callutheranfb
CLU Twitter: CLUSports
Sport Twitter: CLUFootball
CLU Facebook: CLUSports
Hashtags: #clusports #ownthethrone #goregals #gokingsmen #theSCIAC #ncaad3

Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director