#26 Oilers Hold Off Huskies 14-5
The University of Findlay football team overcame miserable playing conditions to defeat Michigan Technological University 14-5 on Saturday, October 10 in Houghton, Michigan. The victory gives the Oilers a 6-1 record on the season with a 5-1 mark in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
Battling snowy and windy conditions, the Oilers defense came up with big play after big play to secure the victory as they only allowed 263 total yards.
The Huskies took an early 3-0 lead on a 23-yard field goal by Tyler Cattelino but the Oilers responded on their next possession as senior quarterback Andrew Beam showed off his running skills on a 23-yard scamper for a score through the sloppy tundra at Sherman Field.
Leading 7-3 to begin the third quarter, senior linebacker John Williams came up with a big defensive play on the Huskies first possession, stopping Michigan Tech for a two-yard loss on a fourth and three from the Oilers 12-yard line. The offense though botched a pair of snaps leading to a safety for the Huskies.
Clinging to a 7-5 lead in the fourth quarter, the Oilers ground game got going as senior running back Melvin Jackson ripped off runs of 24 and 20 yards on their second possession of the period which eventually led to a one-yard touchdown run by Beam.
The Oilers defense then came up with another stop while the offense killed the clock to get out of the upper peninsula with a 14-5 win.
Findlay's offense struggled due to the weather conditions as they managed only 262 total yards in the contest. They did however come up with crucial plays when they needed them and converted on 8-of-14 third down opportunities.
Jackson led the offense with 73 yards on 13 carries while freshman running back Monterae Williams tallied 57 yards on 17 carries.
Beam threw for 71 yards and rushed for 71 yards and two scores while junior wide receiver Dustin Zielaskiewicz made two catches for 35 yards.
Defensively, senior linebacker Joe Knopick had 13 tackles while freshman linebacker Brandon Butler made eight stops.
Sophomore defensive back Donte Johnson, senior defensive back Erik Chapin and Williams added seven tackles apiece.
Williams also added three tackles for a loss and one sack in the win.
The Oilers will be back in action again next week when they travel to Allendale, Michigan to face top ranked Grand Valley State University on October 17. The GLIAC contest is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. inside Lubbers Stadium.