The start of Saturday's homecoming game couldn't have been much better for the Hillsdale College football team.
It was everything that came afterward that was a downer.
Sophomore tailback Jack Wiseman (pictured) rumbled 56 yards for a touchdown, coming after an interception by senior Daniel Pittman, to give Hillsdale an early 7-0 lead in its clash with Grand Valley State University Lakers. But the visitors were surgical in putting 42 straight points on the Chargers in a 42-21 win at Frank "Muddy" Waters Stadium.
Both teams are now 2-3 overall and 2-2 in the GLIAC. The schedule gets no easier for the Chargers next week, as they travel to Columbus to take on defending conference champion Ohio Dominican University.
Led by quarterback Heath Parling, who had missed the previous two games, the Lakers ran an offense that was precise and productive. The team did a good job of mixing up the run and the pass, and just wore down the Charger defense.
GVSU rang up 464 yards of total offense compared to 303 for the Chargers. The Lakers had 228 yards on the ground and 236 through the air, as Parling showed nice touch on his throws, and his receivers ran excellent routs most of the game.
After Hillsdale took a 7-0 lead on Wiseman's big run, the Lakers put up 14 points in each of the first three quarters to put the game out of reach. Sophomore quarterback Mark LaPrairie led Hillsdale to two touchdowns in the second half to tighten up the final score.
LaPrairie was sacked four times in the game, and the Lakers intercepted two passes.
LaPrairie went 14-for-26 for 135 yards and one touchdown.
The running back combo of Wiseman and junior Wade Wood were once again effective, combining for 162 yards in the game. Wood had 16 carries for 89 yards and one touchdown reception. Wiseman carried the ball 12 times for 73 yards, which included his 56-yard run, the longest of his career.
Senior Evan Bach led the receiving corps with four catches for 39 yards.
Pittman and fellow defensive back Tim Moinet played tough and hard throughout the game against the strong Laker offense. Pittman recorded a team-high 13 total tackles, including one pass break-up and one tackle for loss. Moinet was in on 11 total tackles and recovered a fumble, while defensive linemen Roger Stewart and Bryan Siegert each had a tackle for a loss. Sophomore safety Austin Koneval forced the fumble that Moinet recovered.
After beating Hillsdale twice in three years, the Lakers have now won three straight meetings with the Chargers.