KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College football team celebrated Homecoming with a 45-24 win over Alma College in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play on Saturday.

The scoring was fast and furious in the first half as the Hornets took a 31-24 lead into halftime after trailing 17-7 late in the first quarter.

The opening quarter included touchdown passes of 71 and 79 yards by Alma, followed by a 96-yard kickoff return by Kalamazoo's Elijah Hamilton-Wray.

Kalamazoo led 31-17 late in the second quarter before the Scots scored on a 10-yard passing play with 37 seconds remaining.

Second half play was much more methodical and the Hornets were able to take a 14-point lead (38-24) midway through the third quarter when Aaron McGuire threw his fourth touchdown pass of the day, this time a 7-yarder to Cameron Shegos.

Kalamazoo's BJ Smith intercepted a pass on the first play of the fourth quarter and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown to put Kalamazoo up 45-24. The defense held steady and kept the Scots from scoring the entire second half.

Alma gained 435 yards of total offense while Kalamazoo put up 382 total yards. Kalamazoo maintained possession for 33 minutes and 30 seconds compared to 26 minutes and 30 seconds for Alma. The Hornets converted 10-of-21 third downs while the Scots converted just 5-of-18.

Kalamazoo's Aaron McGuire was 24-of-37 passing for 226 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. 

Cameron Shegos had a team-high eight catches for 83 yards while Alex Dietrich had seven catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Collin Feilla also had a touchdown reception of 19 yards.

Shon Powell rushed for 93 yards on 23 carries while gaining 23 yards on five catches.

Dylan Zerki led the Hornet defense with 10 total tackles. Alan Mencer was credited with one and a half of Kalamazoo's five quarterback sacks. Hartlee Lucas and BJ Smith each had an interception.

Kalamazoo returns to action at Olivet College next Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m.