Junior DB Ruben Lopez (#6) leads the fight song after scoring the game-winning touchdown.
In an electrifying matchup at Torero Stadium, the University of San Diego (3-2, 1-1 PFL) pulled off a dramatic 27-21 overtime victory over the Presbyterian Blue Hose (2-4, 0-2), with junior defensive back Ruben Lopez sealing the win on an 87-yard fumble return.
Lopez reflected on the moment after the game, stating, "It feels great. We take pride in our defense, and to win like that feels amazing. Everyone just yelled, ‘run!’ and I saw the open field."
Both teams fought hard throughout the game, trading blows in each quarter. Presbyterian took an early lead in the second quarter with a 50-yard rushing touchdown by Ty Englehart, but San Diego quickly responded with a 13-play, 73-yard drive, capped off by an eight-yard touchdown pass from Grant Sergent to Ja'seem Reed to tie it 7-7.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with the Blue Hose scoring first on a 23-yard pass from Collin Hurst to Dominic Kibby, only for the Toreros to answer back with a short touchdown pass from Sergent to Josh Heverly. With the score tied at 14-14 heading into the final quarter, the pressure was on both teams.
Presbyterian struck again, with Hurst running in a 19-yard touchdown to reclaim the lead, 21-14. With just seconds left in regulation, Sergent found Heverly again for a 26-yard scoring connection to send the game into overtime.
On the opening drive, the Blue Hose advanced to the three-yard line, but senior defensive back Trey Ortega forced a fumble on Englehart. Lopez scooped up the loose ball and sprinted 87 yards to the end zone to seal the win.
Head Coach Brandon Moore praised his team but acknowledged the challenges, saying, "It's hard to win in college football, and Presbyterian came out strong. We have a lot to improve on, especially with penalties, but I'm proud of how we fought."
Impact Toreros
WR Josh Heverly
2 catches for 34 yards & 1 Touchdown.
WR Ja'Seem Reed
10 catches for 99 yards & 1 Touchdown
QB Grant Sergent
21/42 for 214 yards & 3 Touchdowns
Impact Blue Hose
QB Ty Englehart
10 carries for 68 yards & 1 Rushing TD
QB Collin Hurst
2 Total Touchdowns (1 run, 1 pass)
WR Dominic Kibby
4 catches for 71 yards & 1 Touchdown.
Looking Ahead
USD heads into their second bye week before returning home to host Marist. The Toreros aim to build on this momentum and address areas that need improvement, especially regarding penalties, as they were flagged 16 times for 157 yards during the game.
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