In the first two games of the Hillsdale College football season, 173 total points were scored.
So naturally, Saturday's game versus Northern Michigan was a defensive struggle.
The struggle was worth it in the end for the Chargers, who pulled out a dramatic 13-10 win over Northern Michigan University in front of more than 2,000 fans at Frank "Muddy" Waters Stadium. Hillsdale, winners of two straight, are now 2-1 overall and in the league. The team steps out of conference play next week to take on the University of Indianapolis on the road.
A total of 3 points were scored in the game's first three quarters. But as the fourth quarter started, and the rain started to fall, both offenses got on track. Each team used big plays to score, but in the end, it was a missed scoring opportunity that clinched the win for the Chargers.
NMU missed a 33-yard field goal attempt with 16 seconds left, preserving the three-point win. The Wildcats drove 37 yards in 6 plays to set up the last field goal attempt.
Tailback Wade Wood broke off an impressive 17-yard run for the eventual game-winning score, weaving through the defense to put Hillsdale up 13-3 with 10:34 left in the game. That touchdown came one drive after quarterback Mark LaPrairie connected on a 52-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Ryan Potrykus to get Hillsdale on the board.
It was the first career touchdown for Potykus.
Hillsdale's defense gave up 595 yards of total offense in each of its first two games, but in this one, was much tighter. Freshman linebacker Jay Rose made his first career appearance and made a great impression, recording 10 total tackles and a sack. Injuries at the position have forced several players to get time ahead of schedule, and Rose stepped up in his home debut.
Justin D'Agostino led the defense with 11 total tackles, while Zach Swaffer had 9 tackles, and shared a sack with Curtis Smith. The Chargers allowed 386 yards of total offense, more than 200 below its season average.
LaPrarie had to contend with a disciplined and quick NMU defense and finished the day 16-for-38 for 244 yards and one touchdown. Tailback Bennett Lewis had 66 yards on 20 carries, while wide receiver John Haley had five receptions for 93 yards.