Oilers Fall To Ashland, Chambers Breaks Record

The University of Findlay football team fell at home 41-28 to Ashland University on Saturday, November 7 in their final game of the season. The loss ends the Oilers year with a remarkable turnaround, finishing 7-4 compared to 2-9 in 2008. Findlay also claimed a 6-4 record in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), their best since going 8-2 in the league during the 2002 campaign.

The Eagles were flying on all cylinders in the first half, climbing out to a 31-13 lead with only 2:31 remaining in the half.

Down by 18, senior quarterback Andrew Beam found junior wide receiver Dustin Zielaksiewicz on a nine-yard touchdown pass with only 46 ticks left in the second quarter. The scoring play gave Findlay momentum as the entered the break trailing 31-20.

In the third quarter, the Oilers stopped the Eagles on a fake punt attempt and eventually took advantage of the situation on a seven-yard scoring pass from Beam to senior wide receiver Mike Chambers. Beam also completed the two-point conversion to Chambers as well, making the score 31-28 with 6:33 showing on the third quarter clock.

Trailing by three points in the fourth quarter, the Oilers were looking for their defense to step up and get the ball back but Ashland had other thoughts as Billy Cundiff found Alan Dunson on a 44-yard touchdown pass to give the Eagles a 38-28 lead with 14:34 left in the contest.

After a punt by the Oilers, the Eagles would again light up the scoreboard with a field goal and then two Beam interceptions on consecutive series ended any comeback thoughts for Findlay.

As a team, the Oilers gained 407 yards but gave up 465 to the Eagles. Findlay, who entered the contest with a +16 advantage in the turnover column, threw three interceptions and relinquished two fumbles in the game as well.

Beam completed 22-of-41 passes for three touchdowns and 278 yards. His total of 2,179 yards passing this season eclipsed the school record of 2,133 set by Bo Hurley during the 1997 campaign.

Zielaskiewicz made six receptions for 119 yards and a score while Chambers caught nine passes for 98 yards and a score. His 98 yards receiving gave him 1,027 on the season, establishing a new school record.

The previous record of 1,018 yards was set by Derek Hutchinson during the 1986 campaign.

Defensively, senior linebacker Joe Knopick made 11 tackles while senior defensive back Anthony Fields recorded ten.