After more than three weeks of planning and preparation, the University of La Verne football team will launch its 2011 campaign this weekend when it faces NAIA opponent Azusa Pacific Saturday at Citrus College.  Though the season officially begins with the opening game kickoff, first-year head coach Chris Krich has already signalled a new era with the Leopard program. 

With Krich now at the helm, the Leopards look to turn around the fortunes of recent years.  After two seasons with just one win, enthusiasm stems from the belief of more success.  And it comes from Krich, the new leader of the program.  "We want to instill a more a competitive nature on a week-to-week basis," Krich said.  "We're going to stress execution while also mimimizing our mental errors."

OFFENSE

La Verne will employ a spread offense with multiple looks in hopes of achieving more balance throughout the season.  "We'll definitely have a wide array of looks on offense," Krich said.  "How we attack will be based on the matchups presented to us."

At quarterback, senior signal-caller Thomas Arguello has been consistent during camp and will look to improve upon his production this season.  Arguello started 8 games a year ago, passing for 1,475 yards and 9 touchdowns in his eight games during the 2010 campaign.  Backing up Arguello will be a battle between Garry Hedlund, Josh Ross and Jose Garay.

At the running back position, Krich believes there is much improved depth to better execute a balanced offensive attack.  Among the returnees is Erek Brown, the team's leading ground gainer in 2010.  Brown amassed 480 rushing yards in '10 while adding adding 4 scores.   The Leopards also added sophomore Matt Biggers who could make significant contributions.  Additionally, the running back corps is bolstered by the presence of freshmen Keoni Colson and Tanner Thompson.

The tandem of Cedric Ho and Matt Griffin headline the Leopard receiving unit.  Ho was the main receiving target two years ago in his initial season in 2009.  As a junior that season, he led the Leos with 81 receptions, 894 yards and 8 touchdowns on his way to earning SCIAC Newcomer of the Year honors.  After missing the 2010 season, Ho will team with Griffin, who led the Leopards in receptions (57), receiving yards (727) and touchdowns (8) a year ago.  David Kain and Andres Fernandez should also factor this season at wideout.

Junior returnees Oscar Bauman and Christian Winnewisser will be the primary targets at the tight end position.  Bauman played in four games last season while Winnewisser split time between tight end and quarterback a year ago.  Both players have the necessary tools to elevate the positon.

On the offensive line, La Verne will be led by three veterans in seniors Kyle Appleford and Nick Homan with junior Ruben Vazquez.  Appleford is a two-time All-SCIAC selection while both Homan and Vazquez also possess a wealth of experience up front.  Krich is also excited about the newcomers which include the trio of Kyle Ellis, Jacob Hayes and Oscar Guerrero. 

DEFENSE

The Leopards will primarily run a 4-2-5 formation with more of an emphasis on speed and athleticism. 

On the defensive line, the cast includes Alex Barrios and Kaiea Medeiros on the interior.  Barrios played all 9 contests last season and posted 22 stops including 5 tackles for losses.  Medeiros has made the swtich from offensive line and should make an immediate impact.  Newcomer Brent Chambers should also be a force at defensive end along with returnee Dylan Keith.  Also competing for playing time include Rogelio Espinoza.

The linebacking corps is headed by seniors Filip Marcelin and Rydell Moore, whom Krich says have provided tremendous leadership thus far.  Marcelin was La Verne's leading tackler last season with 56 total tackles.  Additionally, the Leos welcome back Manny Macias who sat out last season after a solid 2009 campaign. 

Among the defensive backs, La Verne features the duo of Willie Griffin along with converted wide receiver Allen Daniels at the starting cornerback spots.  Daniels, who amassed 434 receiving yards last year, provides the Leos with an upgrade in athleticism at cornerback.  While junior Donald Mull returns as a starter at safety.  Mull posted a team-high three interceptions while also recording 54 total tackles in 2010. 

SPECIAL TEAMS

The placekicking duties for this season will belong to junior Alex Salcedo with Edgar Rodriguez serving as punter.  Both Brown and Daniels will be featured as the main return specialists.  Daniels led the Leos in kick returns with 452 yards while Brown added 221 yards.

SCHEDULE

The Leopards open the season with a pair of non-conference road tilts, beginning Saturday against the Cougars followed by Linfield on September 24.

La Verne's home opener is October 1 against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in the Leopards' first SCIAC contest of the season.  Other home games include Cal Lutheran (Oct. 15), the homecoming game versus Chapman (Oct. 22) and Whittier (Nov. 12).

The Leos play three night games during the regular season including the season opener at Azusa Pacific.  La Verne will also play under the lights against conference foes Occidental (Oct. 8) and Pomona-Pitzer (Nov. 5).  

All home games are at Ortmayer Stadium and will kick off at 1:00 pm.