2017 GLIAC Football Gameday - Week 1

Posted: Aug 31, 2017

BAY CITY, Mich. -- The 2017 GLIAC Football season is here! Game notes, audio, video and live stats links for five GLIAC football contests on Thursday, Aug. 31 and three games on Saturday, Sept. 2 can be found below.

It was a rough opening night for the league as member programs went 1-4 on Thursday night. Michigan Tech recorded a big 38-14 victory over visiting Truman State, who was receiving votes in the AFCA polls, thanks to running back John Williams' 21 carries for 176 yards and three touchdowns. The Huskies trailed 14-7 early before rattling off 31 straight points for the runaway victory.

A pair of programs who have their hopes set on making a run into the NCAA Division II postseason, No. 2 Grand Valley State and Ashland lost in heartbreaking fashion. Indianapolis downed the Lakers after batting down a GVSU pass inside the red zone to seal the upset, while No. 9 Indiana (Pa.) defeated Ashland with a 47-yard game-winning field goal as time expired. Tiffin also dropped a 28-13 to Findlay, while Davenport came up short in a 25-6 decision vs. Concordia (Mich.).

On Saturday, GLIAC teams bounced back with three impressive victories over non-conference opponents. Saginaw Valley earned a 42-24 victory over Alderson-Broaddus thanks to three scores and 210 all-purpose yards from sophomore running back Tommy Scott Jr. Northwood pummeled Siena Heights 38-7 on the road thanks to three scores from QB Joe Garbarino and only 92 yards of total offense allowed by the Timberwolves defense.

Wayne State capped the weekend with a 28-9 road win over Walsh after the Warriors racked up 28 points in the first half before cruising to victory. WSU quarterback D.J. Zezula was 10-13 for 149 yards and three touchdowns, while Deiontae Nicholas recorded 123 yards rushing and an 85-yard touchdown run.