Box Score ORANGE, Calif.— Chapman (6-2, 5-1) defeated Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (6-2, 4-2) (CMS) 9-7 on senior night to clinch the SCIAC Surf division title and a spot in the SCIAC Championship game on Nov. 16. 

Tyler Pecheco and Gio Ursino combined for 147 yards rushing to lead Chapman's dominant performance on the ground. Overall, the Panthers gained 230 yards on the ground, while holding CMS to just 134 yards rushing. 

In the second quarter, Pacheco muscled his way into the end zone on an eight yard run to give the Panthers a lead they would never relinquish. Jax Hudson followed with a 21-yard field goal shortly before halftime, putting the Panthers ahead 9-0. 

Defensively, Chapman set the tone, sacking the CMS quarterbacks four times. The Panthers held CMS to just 47 yards of total offense and three first downs throughout the first half although CMS was able to move the ball in the second half in the run-dominated game. The Stags found the end zone late in the third quarter to narrow the deficit to 9-7.

CMS marched down field with 9:19 to play in the game, expecting to score the game winning touchdown. A fumbled snap led to a broken play and a heave into the end zone. Renick Martin made a diving catch in the end zone to force the turnover and give Chapman its 15th interception of the season.

CMS was able to force a punt on the ensuing drive and drove back down the field to set up a 56-yard field goal attempt for the lead with 33 seconds remaining. However, the kick fell well short and the Panthers lined up in victory formation to clinch a matchup with Pomona-Pitzer for the second year in a row in the SCIAC Championship Game. 

The Panthers will wrap up the 2024 regular season on Nov. 9 at La Verne.