Box Score

The Malone University football team (0-3, 0-2 GLIAC) couldn't overcome a sloppy start, falling to the Hillsdale (MI) College Chargers (1-2, 1-1 GLIAC) by a score of 41-16 in the Pioneers' home opener Saturday afternoon.

Hillsdale capitalized on three Malone turnovers on their first three possessions to jump out to a quick 17-0 lead over the hosts. Malone coughed the ball up on just the second play of the game, which led to a Hillsdale field goal. On its next possession, a Malone pass was intercepted by Hiilsdale's Steven Harding. Charger running back Isaac Spence then quickly turned the turnover into six points scoring on a four-yard plunge.

The miscues continued to mount for the Pioneers. After a three-and-out forced Malone to punt, junior punter Frank Dufour saw the snap sail over his head before being recovered by Hillsdale on the two-yard line. A two-yard run from Ben Jones on the next play gave Hillsdale an early 17-0 lead.

Malone cut into the deficit early in the second quarter after putting together their most impressive drive of the half. A forty-yard scamper on an end-around from freshman wide receiver Jordan Phillips put the Pioneers' offense in business. Phillips made another big play moments later, hauling in a pass from junior wide receiver Josh McLaughlin on a reverse pass to give the Pioneers a first down at Hillsdale's 11-yard line. After the drive stalled, Jacob Bishop connected on a 19-yard field goal to draw the score to 17-3. Unfortunately for the Pioneers, Hillsdale would add two more scores before halftime to go into the locker room with a 27-3 lead.

The second half didn't start much better for Malone. Hillsdale's Todd Frickley returned the opening kickoff of the half 91 yards to stake the Chargers to a 34-3 lead and put the game out of reach.

Junior quarterback Will Szpor replaced starter Brandyn Eckhart for most of the second half and led Malone on two touchdown drives. The first score came on a seven-yard strike to Phillips and the second culminated with a 23-yard dart to senior AT Turner in the game's waning moments.

Szpor finished 11-of-17 for 142 yards and two touchdowns while Eckhart ended his evening 1-of-4 for 12 yards and an interception. Junior running back Bryce Pratt led Malone's rushing attack, gaining 54 yards on eight carries, while Phillips led Malone with five catches for 67 yards.

Junior safety Demarco Donaldson highlighted Malone's defensive effort, making 12 tackles and forcing a fumble. Defensive backs Brandon Commodore and Glen Raphael also pitched in with seven tackles apiece.

Malone will travel to Wayne State (MI) University next Saturday for a noon kickoff against the Warriors.  Fans can follow all of the action on the Malone Sports Network (on the radio at ESPN 990 AM and streaming on the internet at www.espn990.com).