Fast Start Guides Oilers to Win vs Northwood
Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay football held home opener on Saturday, September 14 as they played host to former Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) foe, Northwood University. Despite a slow second half, the Oilers took home the 31-21 victory over the Timberwolves to pick up their first win of the season. Findlay is now 1-1 on the year while Northwood, which took a loss to Tiffin in the first week of the season, is 0-2.
Just as they did in their opener against Ferris State last week, Findlay wasted no time putting points on the board. The Oilers won the toss and elected to receive, embarking on a six-play, 78-yard drive that took just under three minutes. Senior William Morehand capped the drive with his first career touchdown at Findlay, a 36-yard touchdown reception from junior Matt Winzeler to put Findlay up 7-0.
Senior defensive back Richard Sheler had his first career interception on Northwood's first drive, giving Findlay the ball back with just under eight minutes on the clock.
Again, the Oilers offense moved the ball with ease, scoring in just 2:45, finishing the drive with another TD pass from Winzeler, this time to junior Ruben Flowers.
Northwood put their first points on the board on a 45-yard touchdown run late in the quarter.
On the first play of the second quarter, freshman Tanner Schroeder caught his first touchdown of his career, a 30-yard reception, to put Findlay ahead 21-7.
When all was said and done, Findlay took a 31-14 lead into halftime and looked to be in complete control.
The Oilers only ran eight plays in the third quarter as Northwood would control the clock with a pair of drives that lasted five minutes or more, one of which ended with a touchdown.
Both teams turned up the defense in the fourth quarter as no points were scored.
Total offense could not be any closer as Findlay outgained Northwood by a single yard, 408-to-407. The Oilers had 236 yards through the air and rushed for 172 while the Timberwolves strength was on the ground, running for 246 on 50 attempts.
Winzeler completed 15-of-25 passes for 236 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in his second game with Findlay.
Junior running back Brian Benson rushed the ball 27 times for 182 and a touchdown giving him back-to-back games with 180 yards on the ground.
Freshman Tanner Schroeder had a monster debut with Findlay, catching three passes for a whopping 102 yards and a touchdown.
Morehand had two catches for 44 yards while Flowers had four receptions for 38 yards.
Junior Jack Trombetti again led Findlay in tackles, tallying nine in the contest. He also had a tackle-for-loss and a pass breakup. Sheler and senior Isaac Miles each had eight tackles while Eriq Fadahunsi and Christopher Jefferson had six tackles, apiece.
Findlay opens up Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play next week when they head to Ohio Dominican to take on the Panthers in the NCAA DII Showcase Game of the Week. The game, which kicks off at 12:05 pm, will be broadcast on ESPN3.