Cavaliers Slip by Oilers 39-38 in 2OT
The University of Findlay suffered a 39-38 double overtime loss at Walsh University on Oct. 10. The loss gives the Oilers a 3-3 record on the season with a 2-3 mark in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play.
The Oilers held a 24-14 lead early in the third quarter, but Walsh ended up tying the game just under six minutes to play in regulation. The Oilers then took the ensuing possession down the field where they faced a fourth down from the Walsh 7-yard line with just over a minute remaining. The Oilers then attempted a fake field goal, but junior defensive back Evan Rinke could not connect with junior linebacker Dylan Hirzel on the pass attempt. The Cavaliers then ran out the clock and entered overtime tied at 24-24.
The Cavaliers started with the ball in overtime and cashed in with a 16-yard touchdown pass. The Oilers would answer when it was their turn as senior wide receiver Tim Szabo caught a 7-yard scoring pass from sophomore quarterback Rhys Gervais. Senior running back Daiquone Ford then put Findlay up 38-31 on the first possession of the second overtime period with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Leading 38-31, Walsh scored on their first play of the second overtime period and converted a two-point conversion to claim a 39-38 win over the Oilers.
The Oilers out-gained the Cavaliers by a 475-392 margin in the game and racked up 30 first downs. They rushed for a season-high 328 yards, but had two turnovers.
Ford led the offense with 178 rushing yards on 34 carries to go along with one touchdown. Freshman running back Marcus Jones churned out 101 yards and two scores on 15 carries while sophomore running back Chauncey Bridges had seven rushing attempts for 32 yards.
Gervais completed 14-of-18 passing attempts for 147 yards and a score. Junior wide receiver Dylan Blunk caught four passes for 45 yards while sophomore wide receiver Airion Kosak made four catches for 40 yards.
Sophomore linebacker Daouda Sylla and junior defensive back Anthony Linnear led the team with seven tackles each. Junior linebacker Myles Alexander contributed five tackles and two sacks as well while freshman defensive back Chiebuka Chukwuneke had four stops and an interception.
The Oilers will return home to host Northwood University next Saturday, Oct. 17. The Homecoming contest is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in Donnell Stadium.