Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) football overcame an early 10-point deficit to defeat the Azusa Pacific University (APU) Cougars 31-10 on Nov. 7 at the newly-built Patrick G. Rogan Stadium. With the win, the Stags sent their 21 seniors off with one final home victory before heading into the SCIAC championship game.
Alongside senior night celebrations, the Stags held a dedication ceremony for CMS’ new stadium, marking the end of the team’s first season in the facility. Rogan Stadium is one of several new facilities housed within CMS’ Sports Bowl, which opened this semester on Claremont McKenna College’s Roberts Campus.
After the ceremony, APU came out strong, scoring on its opening possession with a 24-yard touchdown pass from their quarterback. Adding on a 41-yard field goal, the Cougars jumped to an early 10-0 midway through the first quarter.
Down early, the Stags seemingly struggled to find their rhythm but quickly turned things around in the second quarter.
“I think we were a little slow at the beginning, but once we got rolling, we were firing on all fronts,” senior defensive back Evan Siegel HM ’27 said. “Offense, defense, special teams, it was great.”
Running back Cooper Nixon HM ’27 sparked the comeback with a two-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter, capping a 13-play, 80-yard drive that lasted nearly eight minutes. Six minutes later, Nixon found the end zone again on a four-yard run, giving CMS its first lead of the game, 14-10.
With just 25 seconds remaining in the half, quarterback Robert Litscher CM ’27 connected with Noah Macapulay CM ’28 on a seven-yard touchdown pass, extending the Stags’ lead to 21-10 heading into halftime.
Head coach Kyle Sweeney expressed that he was proudest of how the team regrouped after falling behind.
“We started off very slow the first couple minutes,” Sweeney said. “I think we had to get out of senior day there for a minute and get going, and I think once we did that, I was very happy with how we rallied.”
The Stags maintained control throughout the second half, holding APU scoreless for the remainder of the game. Kicker Sean Lee CM ’29 added a 32-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, before running back Owen Walz CM ’29 scored on a one-yard rush to seal the 31-10 victory.
Beyond individual plays, the game carried particular significance for the seniors playing their final game at home.
Siegel, in his fourth year with the program, reflected on the relationships he has built with his teammates.
“I think the team culture is like no other,” Siegel said. “There’s no other place I’d rather be with my guys on this team.”
For Nixon, another senior, the evening was also an opportunity to recognize the families who had supported the players throughout their college careers.
“I think it was awesome,” Nixon said. “I mean, my family who helped me get here, everyone’s families who helped them get here. Having your family show up and support you for the game really means a lot, and really had the guys going hard for the families out there.”
To Sweeney, the seniors’ leadership has been central to the team’s success this season.
“We had guys who were willing to speak up for what they wanted and help our team culture get to where we want it to be,” Sweeney said. “So I’m very proud of that.”
The win improved CMS to 7-2 overall, setting up a conference championship matchup against Chapman University on Saturday, Nov. 14.
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