Oilers Head to #6 Ashland on Saturday
The University of Findlay football team (5-2, 5-2) will travel to Ashland, Ohio to take on #6 Ashland University (8-0, 7-0) on Saturday, Oct. 27. The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) contest is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at Jack Miller Stadium.
Sights and Sounds
All Oilers football games can be heard on 88.3 FM "WLFC" or on the internet via their web site.
You can listen to the broadcast by clicking on the following link:
The University of Findlay will also broadcast all of their home football games on the internet. You can watch the games live by clicking on the following link:
UF athletics will also offer live stats for all home games. A link to this process can be retrieved by clicking on the live stats window located on the left side of the Oilers athletic website.
The Series
The Oilers trail 24-14-4 in the all-time series against the Eagles dating back to the 1924 campaign when Ashland came out on top by a score of 33-0.
The Eagles stopped a three-game winning streak by the Oilers last season after topping Findlay by a 34-19 margin.
Clay Belton completed 17-of-38 passing attempts for 292 yards and three touchdowns, but set a new single game record with five interceptions in the loss.
Seth White caught nine passes for 99 yards and a score while Jaryd Brown recorded four receptions for 78 yards.
Nathan Morris caught one pass for 72 yards and a score.
Head Coach Rob Keys
Rob Keys is currently in his second season as the head coach of the Oilers football team and his squad off to a 5-2 start.
Last year, Keys guided the Oilers to a 6-5 record, which included a 6-4 mark in GLIAC play. The record represented a five-win upgrade from the 2010 campaign when the Oilers crawled to a 1-10 mark.
Keys was previously the co-defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator for the Oilers from 2000-04.
In 2010, Keys served as the defensive backs coach at the University of New Hampshire. He helped coach the team to an 8-5 record in 2010 and a spot in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Playoffs. The Wildcats, who were ranked #10 in the nation, were then upended by the #5 University of Delaware Blue Hens 16-3 in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Before his time with the Wildcats, Keys spent four years as the special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach at Slippery Rock University (2006-10).
Prior to his work at Slippery Rock, Keys served one season as the safeties coach and special teams coordinator at Indiana State University (2005) after his five-year run at Findlay.
Keys also spent three seasons coaching at his alma mater, West Virginia University, coaching running backs, special teams, tight ends, tackles, quarterbacks and wide receivers.
As a player at West Virginia, Keys was a two-year letter winner and a 1995 team co-captain. He won the Mountaineer Club Award twice (1994-95), the highest honor a West Virginia player can receive. He was also given the Scott Shirley Award for the special teams MVP in 1995 and participated in the USF&G Sugar Bowl and Carquest Bowl during his tenure as a player.
Keys graduated from West Virginia in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in physical education and then later earned his master's degree in the same field in 1998 from WVU as well.
He also obtained a post-graduate degree from the Marine Military Academy (Harlingen, Texas).
Coach Keys and his wife, Jenifer, are the parents of three daughters, Katie, Casey and Kaylee.
For Findlay's 2012 coaching staff, please click on the following link:
The Oilers
The Oilers came away with a 41-17 win at Lake Erie last week behind a record-breaking performance from Monterae Williams.
Williams gashed the Storm for 268 yards and five touchdowns on 39 carries, breaking the school record for career rushing yardage along the way.
His total rushing yards in the win were the second highest single game mark in school history while his 39 carries tied for fourth best all-time.
Williams' big day should not overshadow the Oilers defensive performance as they forced four turnovers and came away with five sacks in the victory.
Ray Ballard spearheaded the Oilers defensive efforts with 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Eric Palmore-Lett added 13 stops while Josh Lee made two sacks to go along with six tackles.
Offensively, Clay Belton threw for 129 yards, but was picked off twice.
For Findlay's 2012 season statistics, please click on the following link:
For Findlay's 2012 roster, please click on the following link:
Ashland Head Coach
Lee Owens is in his ninth season at the helm of the Eagles football program and has his team ranked sixth in the nation with an 8-0 record.
With Owens at the helm, the Eagles have advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs twice (2007, 2008).
As a head coach on the high school and college levels, Owens has a 192-126-2 record. He came to Ashland from the University of Akron, where he coached from 1995-2003. Owens' record as a college head coach is 103-94. His record at AU is 63-33.
Owens came to Akron after a stint as an assistant coach at Ohio State (1992-95). While at Ohio State, Owens helped the Buckeyes to a 27-8-2 record and a Big Ten co-championship in 1993.
Owens' OSU stint followed an ultra-successful career as a high school football coach in Ohio. His career record on the prep level is 89-32-2 in 11 seasons. He was the athletic director and head football coach at Massillon Washington High School (1988-92) where he led the Tigers to a 35-13 mark in four seasons. His Massillon teams made three consecutive appearances in the state playoffs and his 1989 and 1991 units advanced to the state semifinals.
The Eagles
The Eagles are currently ranked sixth in the nation with an 8-0 record and have often dominated on both sides of the ball.
In 2012, the Eagles are averaging 38.2 points per game and giving up only 13.5 points to their opponents.
Taylor Housewright leads the offense 2,290 yards, 21 touchdowns and 0 interceptions on the year.
Anthony Capasso has caught 49 passes for 715 yards and seven scores while Anthony Taylor has rushed for 739 yards and seven touchdowns.
For Ashland's 2012 season statistics, please click on the following link
For Ashland's 2012 roster, please click on the following link:
An Explosive Offense
The Oilers are averaging 34.3 points per game and 460.0 yards of total offense per outing. Their points per game rank seventh in the GLIAC while their yardage is the third best mark in the conference and the 19th best nationally.
The Oilers are also achieving an average of 25.4 first downs per game, the second best total in the league.
Airing it Out
The Oilers are averaging 264.9 passing yards per game, the fourth best total in the GLIAC.
Individually, senior quarterback Clay Belton ranks fourth in the GLIAC and 18th nationally in passing yards per game at 261.0.
Toting the Rock
Senior running back Monterae Williams leads the GLIAC and ranks eighth nationally in rushing yards per game at 137.7.
As a team, the Oilers are averaging 195.1 yards per game on the ground, the eighth best mark in the GLIAC.
Two-Headed Monster
Junior tight end Jaryd Brown and junior wide receiver Seth White have formed a formidable passing catching duo this year. Brown is averaging 5.1 receptions and 65.7 yards per game while White is averaging 5.0 catches and 70.4 yards per contest.
Brown's reception average is the sixth best in the GLIAC while White's total ranks eighth. White's yardage total ranks seventh in the league while Brown checks in ninth in receiving yardage per game.
One Man Wrecking Crew
Senior quarterback Clay Belton is racking up the yardage this season and ranks fourth in the GLIAC in total offense at 269.0 yards per game.
Doing it All
Junior wide receiver Seth White is a jack of all trades for the Oilers football team, serving as a receiver, kicker and punter.
This season, White has 35 catches for 488 yards and three scores, has kicked 22 extra points and three field goals and has averaged 37.4 yards per punt.
Tackling Machine
Senior linebacker Brandon Butler leads the team and the GLIAC in tackles per game at 11.7, which is also the fifth best mark in the nation.
Making Plays Behind the Line of Scrimmage
Senior defensive tackle Richard Sumlin is ranked 11th in the GLIAC with 7.5 tackles for a loss.
Scoring Points
Senior running back Monterae Williams leads the conference in scoring, averaging 12.0 points per outing. His total is also the highest in all of NCAA Division II football as the Canton, Ohio product has accumulated 14 scores thus far.
Taking the Ball Away
The Oilers rank fourth in the GLIAC in turnover margin as they are sitting on a +6 advantage.
Individually, junior defensive back Ray Ballard leads the conference in recovered fumbles with three.
A New All-Time Rushing Leader
Senior running back Monterae Williams broke the Oilers all-time rushing record during the Oilers win over Lake Erie on Oct. 20. Williams rushed for 268 yards and five touchdowns during the win and now has 4,271 career rushing yards.
Williams eclipsed the record of 4,009, which was set by former standout Nelson Bolden. Bolden achieved the rushing yardage total from 1977-80, helping the Oilers capture the 1979 NAIA National Championship in the process.
Williams rushed for 937 yards and six touchdowns during his first season in 2009. For his performance, he was tabbed the GLIAC Freshman of the Year as well as second team all-conference.
In his sophomore season, Williams earned honorable mention all-conference accolades with 1,107 rushing yards and four scores. He then followed with 1,268 yards and 18 touchdowns last year as a junior. His performance on the field earned him first team all-conference honors.
This season, Williams has rushed for 959 yards in seven games.
A Workhorse of a Back
Senior running back Monterae Williams has racked up the carries during his career at Findlay and is currently ranked second all-time in rushing attempts.
During his career, Williams has carried the ball 893 times and trails Nelson Bolden's 958 attempts in the record books. He set his record from 1997-80 as the Oilers primary back in their wishbone formation.
Williams is also looking to become the first Oilers back in history to lead the team in rushing four straight seasons.
Finding the End Zone
Senior running back Monterae Williams has scored 43 touchdowns during his career, the fourth best mark in the history of Findlay football. He is chasing Bo Hurley (1994-97) for third place all-time as Hurley scored 46 touchdowns during his tenure with the team.
Nelson Bolden (1977-80) is the all-time leader in career touchdowns with 62.
Protecting the Quarterback
The Oilers offensive line has only allowed a total of six sacks on the season, the 16th best mark in the nation.
Belton Keeping Pace
Senior quarterback Clay Belton has thrown for 3,961 career yards in only 18 games for the Oilers and is chasing Kevin Crooks (2001-04) for second place all-time.
Crooks, threw for 4,053 career yards during his tenure with the Oilers while Bo Hurley (1994-97) is the all-time leader in career passing yards at Findlay with 4,835.
Belton has thrown for 1,822 yards this year and is also looking to break the record for most passing yards in a season. The record of 2,179 was set by Andrew Beam during the 2009 campaign, leaving Belton only 358 yards shy of the mark.
GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week
Senior quarterback Clay Belton was tabbed the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, Sep. 17 for his performance in the Oilers 29-27 victory at #10 Saginaw Valley State University.
Belton completed a school record 32-of-42 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns. His yardage total was also the second best mark in school history and he also added 16 yards rushing in the Oilers comeback win.
The Dayton, Ohio native completed 9-of-11 passes for 74 yards on the Oilers final drive, which ended in a 25-yard field goal by junior Seth White.
GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week
Junior wide receiver Seth White was named the GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week for his role in the Oilers 29-27 win at #10 Saginaw Valley State on Sep. 15.
White racked up 103 yards receiving and a touchdown on seven catches. He also kicked two extra points, had one punt for 19 yards and kicked the game-winning field goal from 25 yards out with only ten seconds to play.
A Record Tying Mark
The Oilers racked up a school record tying 33 first downs in their 41-17 win over Tiffin on Oct. 6 and broke the school record for most first downs through the air with 21.
The Oilers also achieved 33 first downs in a 20-19 win against Kentucky State in 1990 and also in a 54-14 victory over Tiffin in 1997.
Setting School Records
Senior quarterback Clay Belton set a new school record in the Oilers 29-27 win at #10 Saginaw Valley State on Sep. 15 by completing 32 passes. Belton finished the game by going 32-of-42 for 335 yards and two scores.
Belton's 32 completions eclipsed the record of 28, which was held by Kevin Crooks and Billy Noonan.
Crooks had 28 completions against Northwood in 2004 while Noonan completed 28 against Ashland in 2008.
His 335 yards passing was also the second best total in school history while his 42 attempts ranks fourth.
Butler Earns Award
Senior linebacker Brandon Butler earned Defensive Player of the Week honors by Beyond Sports Network after making 21 tackles in the Oilers 43-42 double overtime win against Notre Dame (Ohio) on Sep. 29.
Offensive Line Honored
The Oilers offensive line was named the Offensive Line of the Week by Beyond Sports Network after enabling the Oilers to rack up 518 yards of total offense in their 29-27 win at #10 Saginaw Valley State on Sep. 15.
Senior Captains
Seniors Monteae Williams, Brandon Butler, Clay Belton and Richard Sumlin were each elected to serve as captains this season by the Oilers.
Preseason Honors
Eight student-athletes from the Oilers football team earned preseason honors from Ohio College Football as the organization released their FCS/NCAA Division II all-Ohio teams on Friday, Aug. 17.
Senior running back Monterae Williams, junior tight end Jaryd Brown and senior center Scott Dearwester each earned first team honors on the offensive side of the ball while senior defensive tackle Richard Sumlin and senior linebacker Brandon Butler were tabbed first team on defense.
Williams was also tabbed the preseason favorite for Offensive Player of the Year, an award he captured last season.
Junior wide receiver Seth White earned second team honors on offense and as a punter as well while junior offensive lineman Justin Music and junior linebacker Kenny Klatt were also second team selections at their respective positions.
Preseason GLIAC Poll
The Oilers football team was picked to finish third in the South Division of the GLIAC as the league office unveiled their annual preseason poll on Aug. 15.
The Oilers received 97 points in the poll, which included one first place vote. Ashland University was picked as the favorite to win the division and received 113 points and ten first place votes.
Ohio Dominican was picked one spot ahead of the Oilers in the poll as they received 108 points to go along with five first place votes.
Grand Valley State University is the favorite in the North Division as the Lakers received 108 points and six first place votes. National runner-up Wayne State University was second, receiving 99 points and four first place votes.
The Oilers finished last season with a 6-5 record, which included a 6-4 mark in the GLIAC. Their record was a five-game improvement from the 2010 campaign, when they finished 1-10.
Links
For complete NCAA Division II football statistics, please click on the following link:
For information about the American Football Coaches Association, please click on the following link:
For more information about NCAA Division II football, please click on the following link:
For more information on the GLIAC, please click on the following link: