KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College football team lost a 49-18 contest to No. 18 Hope College at Angell Field on Homecoming Saturday.

The Hornets are now 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the MIAA. The Flying Dutchmen stand at 6-0 overall and 3-0 in league action.

Down 28-0 late in the first quarter, Kalamazoo gained possession and Josh Nichols hit Lucas Hanifan for eight yards on third-and-two. Facing another third down, Nichols found Nate Clark for an 11-yard gain, setting up a fourth-and-two. Sheldon Riley gained the two yards on fourth down, keeping the drive alive.

Being forced to punt on fourth down, the Hornets' Devin Yankee recovered a fumble at the Hope 24-yard line. The squad got to the eight-yard line before being stopped on third down. Emory Roberts split the uprights for a 28-yard field goal, bringing the score to 28-3.

Trailing 35-3 late in the first half, a pass to Jonah Spates for seven yards and a three-yard run by Nichols set up a first-and-10. After a personal foul penalty on the visitors, the Hornets moved to the 35-yard line. Passes to Hanifan and Braeden Lavis covered 30 yards and moving Kalamazoo into the red zone at the five-yard line. On first-and-goal, Nichols found Hanifan for a two-yard touchdown. Nichols then found Spates for the two-point conversion. Hope scored late in the half to push the margin to 42-11 at halftime.

Late in the third quarter, Kalamazoo forced a punt and took over on its own 46-yard line. Facing a fourth-and-two, Thomas Shemwell rushed for a five-yard gain to the 41-yard line. A penalty on fourth down allowed the Hornets to start the fourth quarter on the 21-yard line. Two plays later, Nichols connected with Jacques James for a 19-yard touchdown, making the score 49-18 after the extra point.

For the game, Kalamazoo recorded 17 first downs. The squad was five-of-six on fourth downs. Nichols completed 24 passes for 148 yards and two scores. Hanifan hauled in seven passes for 57 yards and a score. James added the other touchdown on his lone catch of the day.

Defensively, Adam Stapleton led the way with nine tackles, including six solo stops. He had a pair of tackles in the backfield. Corey Garrison tallied six stops, including one for a five-yard sack. Jackson Mitchell recorded two pass break-ups.

The Hornets return to action Saturday, Oct. 26 when they play at Albion. Kick-off is slated for 1 p.m.