Eagles Defeat #25 Oilers on Homecoming
The 25th-ranked Oilers football team lost 45-23 on Homecoming to Ashland University on Sep. 27 in Donnell Stadium. The loss gives the Oilers a 3-1 record on the season with a 2-1 mark in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
The Eagles jumped out to a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter before the Oilers rallied to cut the deficit to four at 24-20 with 10:19 to play in the third quarter. It was all Eagles after that however as Ashland would score 21 points in the fourth quarter on an interception return for a touchdown and two long runs.
The Oilers had 516 yards of total offense in the game, but were 0-for-4 on fourth down opportunities. The Eagles meanwhile racked up 473 yards of total offense, which included 301 rushing yards.
Senior quarterback Verlon Reed completed 18-of-41 passing attempts for 319 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Oilers offense. He also contributed 39 rushing yards on eight carries.
Freshman running back Chauncey Bridges hauled in three catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 43 yards on six carries.
Junior running back Daiquone Ford gained 69 yards on 16 carries while senior wide receiver Lloyd Henry caught five passes for 72 yards in the loss.
Senior safety Harold Jones-Quartey made 11 stops to lead the Findlay defense while senior corner Feraris Golden recorded ten tackles.
The Oilers will return to action next week as they take on nationally-ranked Ferris State University at 2 p.m. in Big Rapids, Mich.