SPOKANE, Wash. – The Chapman University football team's season came to an end with a 42-28 loss at Whitworth in the First Round of the NCAA Division III Football Championship. Chapman's ends the year with a 6-4 overall record while Whitworth improves to 10-0.
The Panthers' defense allowed 40-plus points for the first time this season after allowing more than 30 just once in the previous nine games. The Pirate offense ended the game with 557 yards to key the victory.
A competitive first half saw the Panthers tie the game twice with
Gio Ursino and
Luke Peterman each scoring rushing touchdowns. Peterman's touchdown appeared to grab momentum for the Panthers as it came with just over one minute left in the half and tied the game at 14-14. Chapman was due to receive the second half kickoff.
However, Whitworth was able to march 75 yards in less than a minute to regain momentum into halftime with a 21-14 lead.
While the Panthers punted on their first two drives of the second half, Whitworth scored on its three first possessions to build a 35-14 lead early in the fourth quarter. Peterman found
Nick Tawney and
Jordan Bruce for touchdown passes in the fourth quarter but the Pirtates were able to hold off the comeback attempt.
Gio Ursino ended the game with 73 yards rushing on 14 attempts and Peterman had 236 passing yards with two TDs to go along with his rushing touchdown.
Amir Adams had five catches for 75 yards.
Chapman made its fourth appearance in the NCAA Division III postseason after winning its fourth SCIAC title in 11 seasons.
