DAVIDSON, N.C. — San Diego football (0-4, 0-1 PFL) took a 9-7 lead into halftime but could not hang on against Pioneer Football League (PFL) rival Davidson (2-1, 1-0 PFL), on Saturday morning, dropping a 28-16 decision to the Wildcats at Richardson Stadium as it began conference play.

Emilio Martinez got the scoring started for USD in the first quarter after Kyle Bilchik recovered a Davidson fumble on defense, setting the Toreros up on the Wildcats' 30-yard line. Martinez dashed 13 yards for a rushing touchdown several plays later, earning San Diego an early 7-0 lead.

After Davidson answered with a score of their own (a one-yard rushing touchdown from Dylan Sparks), the Toreros put up a pair of points with some help from their special teams unit. Kicker Aidan Lehman pinned the Wildcats back on their one-yard line with a booming punt, then Mykee Irving forced Davidson into a safety, making the score 9-7 in favor of the visiting team.

Quarterback Mason Randall connected with Ja'seem Reed for a 44-yard strike midway through the second half that marked USD's longest play of the day, but the ensuing 35-yard field goal attempt from Brandon Eickert was no good. A few minutes later Hunter Nichols recorded a tackle for a five-yard loss on third down that forced the Wildcats to punt and set San Diego up for another scoring chance before halftime, but the Toreros could not capitalize, entering halftime with a slim, two-point lead.

Davidson pulled ahead with a touchdown at the 9:23 mark in the third, then scored again in the fourth quarter's opening seconds to make it a 21-9 game. 

Randall completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Michael Carner halfway through the fourth to pull USD within five, but the Toreros would get no closer. A touchdown pass from quarterback Louis Colosimo to Eli Turner Jr. expanded the Davidson advantage to 12 points in the contest's final minutes, sealing the 28-16 victory for the Wildcats to begin PFL play.

Randall was 16-27 passing with a touchdown and an interception, while Reed led all USD receivers with his 44-yard reception. Martinez and Carner each recorded 30 yards or more, and Michael Carner and Vance Jefferson notched 28 and 25 yards apiece, respectively.

On the ground, Martinez led the way with 33 total yards and the touchdown, posting a long of 13 yards.

Mykee Irving led the way on defense for the Toreros with a sack and 15 tackle for loss yards, Michael Hawkins had an interception, and Bilchik recovered a fumble. David Ambagtsheer and Kama Kamaka each had 12 total tackles.

USD is back in action next Saturday when it continues PFL play against conference newcomer St. Thomas at Torero Stadium next Saturday (October 2). Kickoff against the Tommies is set for 1 p.m.