Two teams in search of their first win will meet this Saturday as the University of La Verne plays host to Pomona-Pitzer in the Leopards' 2010 Homecoming Game at Ortmayer Stadium.

La Verne is coming off a 27-7 defeat to Redlands a week ago while the Sagehens fell 37-17 at home to Whittier last Saturday.

Despite last week's defeat to the Bulldogs, La Verne head coach Andy Ankeny said he was encouraged with his team's overall effort having outgained Redlands in total offense and holding an edge in time of possession. 

"I was pleased with how we played," he said.  "Redlands is known for its physical style, but last week we demonstrated we were the more physical team."

Last season, Pomona-Pitzer topped the Leopards 38-14 in Claremont as the Hens finished 4-5 in 2009.  La Verne's last home win occurred against Pomona-Pitzer in a 45-37 triumph on October 18, 2008.

The Leopard defense will have to deal with the Sagehen trio of quarterback Jacob Caron, running back Luke Sweeney and wide receiver RJ Maki. 

A 2009 All-SCIAC Second Team selection in 2009, Caron - the son of Sagehen head coach Roger Caron - has passed for 1,341 yards, averaging 233 yards per game through the air.   He also has 11 touchdowns on the season which includes three rushing scores.

Maki leads the conference in both receptions (78) and receiving yards (779) and has caught five passes for scores this season.  Sweeney has produced a SCIAC best 701 rushing yards thus far, averaging 100.1 yards per contest. 

"Pomona-Pitzer's offense can be scary," said Ankeny.  In Caron, Sweeney and Maki, they have three talented skill position players who can make plays on a consistent basis."

La Verne has played the toughest schedule among Division III schools in the nation, according to the NCAA playoff selection committee's latest rankings.  The Leos rank #1 nationally in strength of schedule (.657) just ahead of Augustana (.656).  "We knew we faced a challenging schedule heading into the season," said Ankeny.  "I wasn't sure it was to the level of being ranked #1, but we were very aware that we were playing against some of the best small college football teams in America."

Kickoff for Saturday's game is 1:00 pm.