ALBION, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College football team lost a hard fought 28-23 contest at Albion Saturday afternoon in an MIAA contest.

The Hornets are now 4-3 on the year, including 1-3 in league play. The Britons improve to 5-2 overall and 3-1 against conference foes.

After a scoreless first quarter, Albion got on the board at the 13:34 mark of the second stanza. Trailing 7-0, Kalamazoo received the ball late in the frame after a punt.

Taking over on the 29-yard line, Sheldon Riley started the drive with a five-yard run. Josh Nichols found Jonah Spates for an 11-yard gain to the 34-yard line. On the ensuing play, the duo connected again – this time for 35 yards to the Albion 20-yard line.

The squad moved the ball to the one-yard line after a five-yard run by Nichols. Riley completed the drive with a one-yard score. Emory Roberts' extra point knotted the score at 7-7 with 1:57 to play in the half.

Trailing 14-7 midway through the third frame, Nichols found Braeden Lavis for an eight-yard gain. He connected with Tyler Houle for a 58-yard touchdown, bringing the team within one at 14-13.

Albion increased the margin to 21-13 prior to the end of the stanza, but Conner Bell started the drive with a 10-yard run up the middle. Two plays later, Nichols found Lucas Hanifan for a 12-yard gain to the Kalamazoo 47-yard line. On the final play of the quarter, Hanifan hauled in a 37-yard pass for another first down. Moments later, Roberts booted a 22-yard field goal, bringing the visitors within five at 21-16.

With just over 9:00 to play, the Britons punched in another score for a 28-16 lead. However, the Hornets embarked on a 15-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 4:24 on the clock. Nichols rushed up the middle for a one-yard score with 4:51 to play, bringing the visitors within five at 28-23. However, Albion was able to run out the clock.

For the game, Nichols hit 24-of-40 for 333 yards and a touchdown. Spates was the beneficiary of 10 passes for 120 yards. Hanifan hauled in seven passes for 116 yards while Houle collected five catches for 87 yards and a score.

Corey Garrison and Raymond Cargill shared team-high honors with nine tackles apiece. Carson Deines chipped in seven stops in the contest.

Jaden Johnson registered a sack for a six-yard loss.

The Hornets return to action Saturday, Nov. 2, when they travel to Adrian for a 1 p.m. contest.