Lambert Sparks USD to Victory

CLAREMONT — A key rushing performance by John Lambert and one last-gasp defensive stand by the University of San Diego silenced Pomona-Pitzer’s comeback effort and salvaged USD’s 33-28 victory in a nonconference game Saturday.

Going into USD’s ninth game of the season, Lambert was averaging 24.5 yards per game. But Lambert, a junior out of Evergreen, Colo., broke out for 109 yards on eight carries, including a 47-yard third-quarter touchdown run for the Toreros (6-2-1).

In addition to his scoring run, Lambert, whose previous best was 97 yards against La Verne in Week 2, set up a one-yard touchdown dash by fullback Scott Sporrer with a 40-yard run earlier in the third quarter.

Before Lambert kicked it up a gear, USD trailed at the half, 14-7. Touchdown runs by Sporrer and Lambert gave the Toreros a 19-14 lead. USD struck once more in the third quarter and added a fourth-quarter score to finish scoring.

“In the second half, the offense really played well,” said USD Coach Brian Fogarty. “John (Lambert) made the big plays for us in the clutch.”

Lambert wasn’t the only one to rally. USD gained 185 yards from scrimmage in the first half, but finished with 421 yards. The Sagehens (4-4) finished with 564.

USD freshman defensive back Bernard Westmoreland and sophomore defensive back Daniel Furleigh saved the potential winning touchdown pass by Pomona-Pitzer’s Josh Spitzen--who had completed four passes in a row in the drive--when they broke up a long pass with four seconds remaining.

Sporrer finished with 125 yards on 26 carries to give him a season total of 1,007 yards. Quarterback Michael Bennett was eight for 19 for 120 yards and three touchdowns.