Freshman Ben Ngishu flips over Findlay player during Oct. 11 game
Courtesy | University of Findlay Athletic Department
The Hillsdale football team suffered a 28-21 loss against Tiffin University Oct. 4 and a 16-14 loss against the No. 16 University of Findlay Oct. 11, moving its season record to 2-4 overall and 1-3 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
“Our defense has been solid and playing hard all year,” head coach Nate Shreffler said. “We’ve had some guys step up and fill the voids created by some injuries, and the young players are getting better each week with the increased reps.”
Against Tiffin, the Chargers entered the second half with a 21-14 lead before allowing two quick touchdowns to the Dragons in the third quarter, both on long passes.
On their final drive of the game, the Chargers marched the ball as far as the Tiffin 17-yard line before the Dragons’ defense forced a turnover on downs.
“As a team, we have been through adversity,” sophomore quarterback Colin McKernan said. “We’ve been put in situations that we have learned from and have grown from. I’d say as a whole, we are playing good football.”
The game also featured an 86-yard kickoff return touchdown by junior receiver Shea Ruddy.
“The kick returns that are most successful for us require extreme attention to detail and understanding of the scheme by everyone on the unit,” Ruddy said. “Once everyone understands it, it then takes great execution and extra effort. Returning a kick is not easy so we take great pride in it.”
After Findlay scored a touchdown on its first possession of the game, the Chargers answered with a touchdown of their own on a 58-yard run by freshman tailback Ben Ngishu.
Findlay led 16-7 at the half, but the Chargers scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter when junior defensive back Colin Morrow recovered a fumble in the endzone.
Hillsdale had a chance to take the lead with 3:42 left on the clock after marching the ball to the Oilers’ 4-yard line but missed the 21-yard field goal attempt, allowing Findlay to run out the clock.
“We know we have the talent to beat good teams, but we just need to be able to play 60 minutes in all phases,” Ruddy said. “We know that we can win out the rest of the season. It will require great discipline, though.”
Shreffler said the team is maintaining a positive mindset heading into the second half of the season.
“The team isn’t letting the outcome of one game affect the next and we are preparing and playing with outstanding effort,” Shreffler said. “It’s important to them and they care about each other – you can see that in how they play.”
McKernan said he is excited for the second half of the season.
“We are looking to come together and play some high level ball at the end of the year,” McKernan said. “I’m looking forward to playing in Muddy Waters, and with this team for the last few games.”
The Chargers will return home to play Northwood University Oct. 18.
