One week after notching a signature road win over Occidental, the University of La Verne football squad faces a formidable challenge this Saturday when it plays host to nationally-ranked Cal Lutheran at Ortmayer Stadium.

The Kingsmen (3-1, 2-0 SCIAC) come into Saturday's game as the nation’s 13th ranked team in Division III, having soundly defeated Whittier 56-0 in conference action last Saturday.   Cal Lu's lone defeat this season came on the road at No. 5 Linfield in a 24-14 setback in its season opener on September 10.

"Cal Lutheran is a team that plays to its strengths and does things the right way," said La Verne head coach Chris Krich.  "They are very well-coached and play tough, physical football on both sides of the ball."

VIDEO: Coach Krich comments on Cal Lutheran

CLU is averaging a SCIAC best 504.5 yards of total offense per game, with senior running back Daniel Mosher averaging 101.2 rushing yards per contest.

Another offensive weapon for the Kingsmen includes wide receiver Eric Rogers, who earned SCIAC Male Athlete of the Week honors after hauling in six catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns during the first half against the Poets. He became the first Kingsmen player in the program's 50-plus year history to amass 200-plus receiving yards in a home game.  

Despite the win last week against Occidental, Krich said the Leopards have quickly put last week's exploits aside in preparation for the Kingsmen.  "We simply have to focus on the task at hand and focus our efforts on playing a very good Cal Lu team.  We can't worry about the past.  We're definitely more concerned with controlling what's in front of us."

La Verne (1-3, 1-1 SCIAC) used a potent rushing attack in amassing 321 of its 485 offensive yards on the ground en route to a 30-21 win over Occidental last Saturday in Eagle Rock. 

The trio of Tanner Thompson (103), Thomas Arguello (102) and Matt Biggers (102) each rushed over 100 yards as the Leopards earned their first win over the Tigers in nearly nine years.  The win over Oxy also marked Krich’s first career victory as head coach. 

Arguello has passed for 628 yards while also leading the team in rushing with 276 yards on the ground.  His main receiving target is wideout Cedric Ho, who has caught 21 passes for 245 yards.  Filip Marcelin leads the Leos in tackles with 43 (22 solo) including 2 sacks.

Krich was also quick to mention the fan support throughout the opening weeks of the season.  "Our fans have been great in sticking by us," he said.  "Our team played well last week and that was helped by all the fans who showed up to support our efforts.  I was thrilled that they were able to share in last week's success."

Kickoff for Saturday's game is 1 pm.