Start of tough run

Whitworth’s football schedule is downright difficult the next month, with perhaps the toughest challenge coming against 23rd-ranked University of Redlands tonight at 7 at Ted Runner Stadium in Redlands, Calif.

The Bulldogs are the only ranked team on Whitworth’s schedule. They were the only NCAA Division III team to beat the Pirates last season. Sixteen starters return from the squad that won the 2007 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title.

“They have a veteran team,” said Whitworth coach John Tully, whose team knocked off La Verne, an SCIAC rival of Redlands, last week. “Their anticipation is to win their league and be in the national playoffs again.”

Redlands opened its season with a 46-9 drubbing of Dubuque (Iowa). Quarterback Dan Selway, the 2007 SCIAC offensive player of the year, passed for 229 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs also had 228 yards rushing behind veterans Zack Schafer, Jeff Stewart and Tom Romaine.

Whitworth, which is just outside the top 25 in the D3football.com poll, led 10-0 early in last year’s meeting, but its offense was blanked over the last 3½ quarters. The Pirates played without running back Chris Ahsing and Redlands kept in check Adam Anderson, who would emerge as the Northwest Conference offensive player of the year.

“We had a lot of opportunities early on and didn’t take advantage,” Tully said. “It was a great game, a close game and I think well played by both teams. Like any close game, it came down to a couple of plays.”

After Redlands, Whitworth faces Chapman then opens NWC play with Willamette and Linfield, the preseason conference favorite. Whitworth and Redlands have played the last four years and the series will continue through 2009 at least. Redlands has won 28 SCIAC titles, including 10 since 1990.

“If you really enjoy athletic endeavors you enjoy a challenge, and these games are a great challenge for our players and coaching staff, as it is for their team,” Tully said.