Oilers Blank Northwood 14-0
The University of Findlay football team captured a 14-0 victory at home over Northwood University on Saturday, September 26 in Donnell Stadium. The win gives the Oilers a 4-1 record on the season with a 3-1 mark in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
The Oilers defense came up big during the win, forcing the Timberwolves into six turnovers, one coming in a crucial situation during the fourth quarter.
Leading 6-0 on a pair of field goals by junior kicker Cameron Stevens, the Oilers were on their heals on Northwood's first drive of the final period as they marched 68 yards to Findlay's one-yard line.
After holding the Timberwolves to no gain on first and goal, junior linebacker Jeff Cleveland wrestled the ball loose on a quarterback sneak which was recovered by senior defensive back Anthony Fields in the Oilers end zone. The turnover secured Findlay's lead and gave them the ball back at their 20-yard line.
The Oilers then marched down the field and scored when senior quarterback Andrew Beam found junior wide receiver Dustin Zielaskiewicz for a 15-yard passing strike with 6:01 remaining in the game.
Leading 12-0, the Oilers decided to go for two points and succeeded when Beam hit junior wide receiver DaJerrian Smith for the conversion in the corner of the end zone.
Findlay's defense then did the rest to preserve their first shutout victory since defeating since defeating Urbana University 26-0 on August 30, 2008.
As a team, the Oilers were out-gained 287-279 by Northwood in total yards as Findlay managed only 37 yards rushing. They did however pass for 242 as Beam completed 20-of-33 passes.
Junior wide receiver Jonathan Mora hauled in a career-high six catches for 103 yards while Zielaskiewicz made six grabs for 61 yards and a score.
Defensively, senior linebacker Joe Knopick was all over the field, making 17 stops to go along with one fumble recovery.
Fields and Cleveland each had seven tackles while red-shirt sophomore defensive back Ikechi Emeaghara and sophomore defensive back Donte Johnson each picked off a pass.
The Oilers will be back in action next week as they host Hillsdale College on Saturday, October 3. The Homecoming contest will begin at 4:00 p.m. inside Donnell Stadium.