Chargers’ comeback falls short

Home Charger Football Chargers’ comeback falls short
Chargers’ comeback falls short
Alec Foos waits for a pass from Luke Keller
Anthony Lupi | Collegian

Luke Keller’s career day proved not to be enough as the Hillsdale College Chargers lost to the University of Indianapolis Greyhounds, 35-31. 

The Chargers overcame a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter, rallying around Keller’s 311 yards and 3 passing touchdowns, and a break-out, 152-yard performance from redshirt freshman wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. However, the defense struggled to contain UIndy running back Toriano Clinton, who would score 4 total touchdowns and rush for 270 yards against the Chargers, sealing their fate. 

Head coach Keith Otterbein said he was impressed with the toughness that his team showed. 

“There were times in the game where we could have folded our tents and walked away,” said Otterbein. “We didn’t do that and that shows great character and drive and determination.When you play hard, you got a chance.”

After falling behind by 14 in the first quarter, the Chargers kicked a field goal and completed a 63 yard touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa, but gave up another touchdown run to Clinton before the half expired, leaving the score 21-10. 

Senior starting linebacker Kyle Kudla spoke highly of UIndy’s offense and of Clinton especially.

“They had a great game plan for our defense, and we had to adapt and adjust but you know they had a lot of great athletes that made a lot of big plays,” Kudla said. “That’s one of the top offenses in the nation, and especially with a running back like Clinton, he’s going to be one of the better running backs we play all season.” 

Senior defensive lineman Nate Chambers said Clinton found the holes in the defense. 

“Clinton is a heck of a player that we’ve played against for a few years now,” Chambers said. “His presence on the field changed the game because he was the most impactful player on the field. He’s a seasoned RB with great vision and quickness.”

After giving up a 41 yard touchdown run by Clinton in the next quarter, senior defensive back Alex Anschutz forced a fumble after a Charger punt, leading to a 1-yard touchdown run by Luke Keller to make the score 28-17 at the end of the third quarter. Anschutz finished with a career-high 17 tackles as well as the forced fumble.

Kyle Kudla said he was was very excited by the home atmosphere and spirit displayed by Charger fans last Saturday night. 

“Otter’s Army turned out in awesome numbers,” said Kudla. “I feel like they definitely had an impact on the game. They were loud, they were pumped up, we were able to feed off a lot of that energy especially on defense. To be able to play at home in front of our students, our fans, our families, it’s something so special that I wish would never end.” 

The Chargers scored a touchdown with a 2-point conversion near the beginning of the fourth quarter, making the score 28-25, but Indianapolis rallied right back with a touchdown to make the score 35-25 with 8:52 remaining. After trading punts, Keller threw an interception with 2:44 remaining. However, the Charger defense delivered a 3-and-out possession, giving the offense the ball back and taking only 22 seconds off the clock. The Chargers proceeded to drive down the field, with Luke Keller throwing a touchdown pass to Austin Williams as time expired to make the final score 35-31, UIndy. 

There is uncertainty as the Chargers prepare to face the undefeated Truman State Bulldogs this Saturday. Multiple players have tested positive for COVID and will be sidelined, including Keller and Kudla. Coach Otterbein refuses to be rattled, however. 

“It doesn’t matter if it’s your quarterback or your middle linebacker or whoever, it’s got to be a next man up mentality,” said Otterbein. “We talk to our team all the time about working hard in a backup role, so that when you’re on you’re ready.”