Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
SHERMAN, TEXAS – The Kalamazoo College football team opened the season by scoring the final 14 points of the game and used an extensive drive to close out the 14-10 victory at Austin College Saturday evening.
It marks the first win on the road in the series and gives the Hornets a 2-1 edge in the all-time series.
The Hornets are now 1-0 on the season.
Kalamazoo found itself down 10-0 entering the second quarter, but the Hornets struck with a touchdown after completing an eight-play, 55-yard drive. Facing an early fourth-and-one on the drive, Conner Bell rushed for two yards, giving the team a first down. On first down at the 34-yard line, Lucas Hanifan scampered for 14 yards to the 20-yard line. On the ensuing play, Dawson Skupin found Hanifan for the 20-yard touchdown strike. Cameron Wardell's extra point pulled the Hornets within three at 10-7.
Late in the half, Kalamazoo embarked on a 10-play, 93-yard drive. The biggest play on the drive occurred when Skupin found Hanifan for a 27-yard catch on third-and-two. The Hornets pushed the ball to the one-yard line. On fourth-and-goal, the field goal attempt was blocked, leaving the contest at 10-7 entering halftime.
The Hornets' defense stopped Austin on a fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line just a few minutes into the third period. After taking over on downs, Kalamazoo completed a 10-play, 99-yard drive. On first-and-10 at the 47-yard line, Skupin hit Aaron Zekman for a 53-yard touchdown pass. The ensuing extra point gave the visitors a 14-10 lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Kangaroos started a drive on their own 26-yard line. The home squad managed to get into Kalamazoo's half of the field, but the defense was stingy. After holding Austin to just four yards on third-and-12, the Hornets forced an incomplete pass on fourth-and-eight and promptly took possession at the 43-yard line.
Kalamazoo started its possession at the 6:02 mark and promptly ran 11 plays. The team was able to run out the clock for the victory.
The Hornets amassed 23 first downs and racked up 408 total yards. Kalamazoo threw for 216 yards and ran for 192 more. Austin was held to 268 yards of total offensive and 13 first downs.
Skupin hit 16-of-24 passes and had two touchdowns through the air. He also rushed for a game-best 98 yards on 21 attempts. Hanifan hauled in eight passes for 121 yards and a score. Zekman caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Raymond Cargill led the Hornets with 14 total tackles including a fumble recovery. Leonard Humphreys II and Brandon Speed each had five tackles. Humphreys II had two tackles for loss. Nolan Jannenga finished with four tackles including a sack.
Carsen Moat had four punts and averaged 37.3 yards per attempt. He placed two inside the 20-yard line.
The Hornets return to action Saturday, Sept. 13, when they host Bethany at 1 p.m.