CAL LU TO FACE MUDD; OFFENSE MUST COME TO PLAY.

Byline: Jim Inghram Daily News Staff Writer

Another winless opponent awaits Cal Lutheran and the Kingsmen hope this one isn't as tough as the last one.

That wish might come true.

Last week, Cal Lutheran edged winless Chapman 10-6. It was an intense defensive struggle that turned into the Kingsmen's first-ever victory against the Panthers.

This week, Cal Lutheran travels to Claremont to face Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. And the difference between one winless team and the next is vast.

Chapman has struggled, but Claremont-Mudd-Scripps has really struggled. The Stags have lost 16 consecutive games, including last year's 0-9 campaign. The team's last victory was a 43-13 SCIAC victory over Whittier on Oct. 19, 1996.

Adding to the Stags' troubles, Cal Lutheran has completely dominated the series, winning 23 of 27 with one tie.

``Our preparation doesn't change for any opponent,'' said Cal Lutheran coach Scott Squires. ``Our focus is always us. If you look at the way we've been defeated, in double overtime to Pacific Lutheran and to Whittier, you would have to blame us for those losses. I don't think we were outplayed. It was a case of us beating ourselves. That's why we focus on executing at a high level.''

The Stags are led by quarterback Max Woods, who has completed 32 of 73 for 371 yards and two touchdowns. The team's top receiver is Scooter Gomes (22-265, 3 touchdowns). Sophomore RB Ryan Mele is the Stags' leading rusher with 270 yards on 65 carries.

If the Kingsmen can produce the same type of defensive game they have exhibited this season, the team should roll against the Stags. The offense, however, continues to be a concern. The team was fortunate its defense was so dominating against Chapman or the Kingsmen would be 2-3 instead of 3-2.

``I've been very pleased with our defense,'' Squires said. ``They've done a fine job all season. Any time you hold a team to six points you're doing something right. Now we have to figure out how to get our offense even with our defense.''

Jeff who?: Despite having two punts blocked against Chapman, junior punter Mark Kevern of Wellsville, Pa., is ranked eighth nationally in punting with a 42.1 yard average. He's filled in quite nicely for departed All-American Jeff Shea.

Tough D: Cal Lutheran is ranked 11th nationally in rushing defense with an average of 66.8 per game.

Kingsmen top 10: After gaining 91 yards last week, Fredrik Nanhed has moved into second place on the all-time CLU career net rushing yardage list with 2,435 yards. He needs 225 yards to take over the top spot of 2,659 yards held by Hank Bauer. Zack Hernandez needs 71 yards to move into ninth place on the school passing list. Dan Hartwig is ninth with 2,247 yards. Hernandez has 2,177.

Anthony Sullivan had two interceptions against the Panthers and is tied for third with 12 career picks. Mattias Wickstrom has 265 tackles, which puts him in fifth place on the school list. Chris Peltonen (1992-95) leads with 362.

CAL LUTHERAN vs. CLAREMONT-MUDD

When: Today, 7 p.m.

Where: Zinda Field in Claremont.

Series: CLU leads 23-3-1

Last year: CLU 33-10

Records: CLU 3-2, 0-1; CMS 0-4, 0-2

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

PHOTO Cal Lu's Fredrik Nanhed, No. 22, needs 225 yards to take the top spot on CLU's all-time rushing list.

Andy Holzman/Daily News

BOX: (Ran in Conejo Edition only) CAL LUTHERAN vs. CLAREMONT-MUDD (see text)