The Hillsdale College football team will take the field against the University of Findlay for the first time since the 2019 season on Saturday, March 13. The Chargers will host the game in the Frank “Muddy” Waters stadium, with kickoff at 3 p.m.
The Chargers planned to face Saginaw Valley State University on March 6, but the Cardinals had to cancel the game due to a rise in positive COVID-19 cases on their team.
Despite the extreme changes made to the team’s schedule for the 2020-2021 school year, the Chargers have adjusted quite well, according to head coach Keith Otterbein. He said his team has remained focused since training began in August.
“One of the things that has ingrained itself into our program is the tremendous work ethic of our guys,” Otterbein said. “They’ve worked really hard, been really focused, and have been very resilient through all of the disappointment and changes that COVID-19 has created for them.”
Sophomore and starting quarterback Luke Keller will begin his second full season in a Charger uniform. Keller was the first freshman to start at quarterback in the season opener of 2019.
“It’s been a year and a half since we played a game, so getting to play with a very unified and untested team is very special,,” Keller stated. “The 2019 season left a sour taste in our mouth, as we were unable to beat Ohio Dominican, Tiffin, and Findlay, so another opportunity to go at them and play good, hard football will be great.”
One advantage to the fall practice season was the extended time for the freshmen to learn more about the program and grow as players, Otterbein said.
“Typically the guys will arrive in August and we’ll install our offense, and they’ll practice within our offense until game week,” Otterbein said. “Pretty much the entire fall for freshmen served as a scout team role. This year because we didn’t have game preparation, the freshmen benefited from all 15 practices we had to learn football.
The Chargers have over 30 true freshmen on their roster this season, as well as many players who are playing their fifth year in a Charger uniform. The Chargers are looking to improve upon a 6-5 season in 2019, and avenge rival losses to Findlay and Tiffin University this spring season.
