DETROIT -- The Wayne State University football squad (2-6 overall, 1-4 GLIAC) recorded its 12th Homecoming victory in the last 14 seasons with a 55-21 triumph over visiting Northwood University (2-6 overall, 2-4 GLIAC) Saturday evening at Tom Adams Field.

The Warriors scored touchdowns on their first eight possessions and held the Timberwolves scoreless until midway through the third quarter.

On the game's opening drive, WSU drove 75 yards in six plays with DeOntay Moffett (Muskegon Hts., Mich. / Mona Shores) scoring on a four-yard jaunt.  Wayne State had two 20-plus yards plays on the drive - a 29-yard pass play from sophomore Jake AmRhein (South Elgin, Ill.) to junior Kyle Lewis (Detroit, Mich. / Renaissance) and a 24-yard run by Moffett immediately preceding the touchdown.

Following an NU punt, the Warriors took a 13-0 lead on a 14-play, 90-yard drive that took 6:57 off the clock.  Junior James Hill (Livonia, Mich. / Clarenceville) had seven straight carries to start the drive, and after six runs by Moffett, Hill scored on a one-yard plunge.

The WSU defense forced a three-and-out, and the Wayne State offense responded with a 72-yard scoring drive to make it 20-0 just 66 seconds into the second stanza.  Hill scored on a 51-yard gallop on a third-and-one.

Northwood garnered two first downs, but was forced to punt on the ensuing drive.  Once again, the Warriors went over 70 yards in five plays, with this scoring drive covering 73 yards.  Hill had a 43-yard carry, and graduate student tight end Preston Pelham (Tecumseh, Mich.) hauled in a 20-yard scoring strike from AmRhein on a third-and-nine.  Graduate student kicker Paul Graham (Commerce Twp., Mich. / Orchard Lake St. Mary's) moved into second place in school history with his 108th career PAT which made it 27-0.

The Timberwolves tried a fake punt on the ensuing drive with the pass falling incomplete.  WSU covered 50 yards in three plays with two Moffett carries sandwiched around a 33-yard reception by graduate student Corey Ester (Lake Orion, Mich.).  Moffett's eight-yard touchdown rush up the middle pushed the Wayne State lead to 34-0 just before intermission.

The Warriors held a 360 to 61 edge in total offense during the first 30 minutes.

NU's second play after halftime resulted in an interception for senior Malcolm Williams (Detroit, Mich. / Southwestern), who returned the pick to the Northwood 19.  Three rushed by Hill accounted for all 19 yards and a touchdown.

Northwood went 74 yards in 12 plays, aided by two Warrior penalties, with Christian Martinez scoring on a two-yard keeper.

Wayne State answered back with a 52-yard scoring drive following a failed onside kick.  Moffett's eight-yard touchdown run came on the play immediately after AmRhein scrambled for a career-long 24 yards on a third-and-10 play.

Martinez found Alex Spicuzzi for a 25-yard touchdown pass late in the third period to cut Wayne State's margin to 48-14.

Hill found the end zone for the fourth time early in the fourth quarter on a  27-yard run.

NU's Brock Frankling concluded the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run near the mid-point of the fourth period.

TEAM STATS

Wayne State led 500 to 234 in total offense, with the Warriors holding a 399 to 177 edge on the ground.  The Warriors converted their first seven third-down chances and finished 7-of-9, while NU was 4-of-11.

LEADING THE WARRIORS

Hill, who entered the game, with 300 rushing yards on the season ran for a career-high 235 yards on 23 carries, while scoring four touchdowns.  Moffett contributed 141 yards on 22 attempts with three touchdowns.  AmRhein was 3-of-4 for 82 yards and one touchdown.

LEADING THE TIMBERWOLVES

Franklin rushed for a team-high 67 yards, which included a 45-yard run.  Martinez was 4-of-7 for 50 yards and one touchdown with one interception.

UP NEXT

Wayne State will play at Ferris State in a 1 p.m. kickoff next Saturday in Big Rapids.