Dolphins fall to reigning champs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University football team played host to San Diego, the reigning Pioneer Football League champions, at D.B. Milne Field Saturday, and dropped the decision, 63-10.

Deep in downs, the Torero's Anthony Lawrence connected with Nate Loya for back-to-back scores in the opening quarter. The first touchdown was the result of a 24-yard pass on third down and the latter was a 32-yard catch on fourth.

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Jacksonville had an opportunity to cut its deficit in half, early in the second quarter, but a dropped pass in the end zone led to a turnover on downs.

The Toreros padded their advantage to 35-0 at halftime, holding Jacksonville to its first scoreless half since its season opener at Mercer.

"It was discouraging," said Head Coach Ian Shields. "We thought we would give the conference champions a good fight, but it wasn't good enough on any level. It starts with coaching, then goes to execution and ends with effort. I'm disappointed but there's certainly room for improvement next week at Campbell."

After Javier Arce-Ramirez put the Dolphins on the board with a 31-yard field goal, Jake McGuire etched his name in the box score with his first collegiate touchdown. Rylan Wells found the freshman wide receiver downfield for a 40-yard reception in the fourth quarter.

Pernell Rattray finished the game with a team-high 51 yards rushed on five carries while Wells went 5-for-11 in the air with 87 yards. Griffin Garland guided the Dolphins' defense with nine tackles.

Jacksonville hits the road next Saturday for a 2 p.m. start at Campbell.