Findlay Wins Season Opener
Hillsdale, MI – The University of Findlay football team traveled north on Saturday, Sep. 5 and opened up their season with a 45-34 over Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) opponent Hillsdale College.
The Oilers looked strong from the opening kick as the defense was able to force a three-and-out on the Chargers first possession of the contest, which gave the offense their first touch of the season.
Sophomore Rhys Gervais was 4-for-4 passing in his first stint as quarterback for the Oilers and capped the 55-yard drive with a two-yard strike to sophomore tight end Anthony Federico. Findlay's momentum carried to the ensuing possession when junior defensive end Johnny Hopkins scooped up a fumble and rumbled 17 yards for the touchdown, putting the Orange and Black ahead 14-0 after the first quarter of play.
The scoring continued in the second quarter as sophomore running back Chauncey Bridges scored a pair of rushing touchdowns. Findlay headed to the locker room with a 28-10 lead.
14 more points were scored in the third quarter as Gervais continued his stellar debut by connecting with junior wide receiver Dylan Blunk for touchdowns of 12 and 37 yards.
A 27-yard field goal from junior kicker Tyler Bugeja capped the scoring for Findlay.
Gervais finished the game with 364 yards passing and three touchdowns while completing 27 of his 34 passing attempts.
Bridges was the leading rusher for Findlay as he finished with 82 yards on 14 carries, including two touchdowns. Senior running back Daiquone Ford also ran well, finishing with 11 carries for 79 yards.
Sophomore wide receiver Jason Moore and Blunk each eclipsed the century mark as Moore had seven catches for 114 yards while Blunk, the Findlay native, had 102 yards receiving, also on seven catches, two of which were touchdowns.
The Oilers offense combined for 587 yards while the defense held the Chargers to 368 yards.
Leading the Findlay defense was junior defensive back Troy Robinson, who collected seven tackles on the night. Sophomore defensive tackle Jared Evers had four tackles, which included two sacks.
Findlay is back in action on Saturday, Sep. 12 as they travel to Stephenville, Texas to take on Tarleton State. That game is slated to begin at 8pm EST.