KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Kalamazoo's defense provided a huge spark in a 28-7 victory over Kenyon Saturday afternoon at Angell Field.

The Hornets are now 2-0 on the season while the Owls fall to 1-1.

It didn't take long for Kalamazoo to reach the end zone. After a penalty by the Owls, the home team completed an 11-yard pass from the 35-yard line. Josh Nichols galloped for nine yards to the 45-yard line. On second-and-one, Sheldon Riley scampered for 45 yards for the score. An Emory Roberts extra point pushed the margin to 7-0 at the 13:13 mark, completing a four-play, 78-yard drive.

After holding Kenyon to a three-and-out, the Hornets forced a 22-yard punt and started their drive at the visiting 45-yard line. On third-and-nine, Riley rushed for nine yards and a first down, but a penalty on first down made it first-and-25 on the 42-yard line. Josh Nichols hit Jonah Spates for 17 yards and completed a nine-yard toss to Lucas Hanifan for a nine-yard gain on third down.

Kalamazoo was stopped on third-and-10 and Roberts trotted onto the field for a 33-yard attempt. The field goal was blocked, keeping the score at 7-0 with 14:11 to play in the second quarter.  

After forcing a three-and-out, Kalamazoo took over at its own 19-yard line. Nichols went to work, hitting Spates for a 20-yard gain. However, a sack and a one-yard rush on third down forced a punt with 11:07 to go in the half.

With Kenyon driving, Omarion Hall intercepted a pass at the Kalamazoo 49-yard line and hustled 51 yards for the touchdown. The ensuing extra point by Roberts made it 14-0 with 8:10 to play.

The Owls managed to enter the red zone late in the half. After stopping the visitors on third-and-goal, the Hornets forced an incomplete pass on fourth down, keeping the score at 14-0 entering halftime.

Kenyon made it a one-score game on a 13-yard touchdown at the 10:53 mark of the third quarter. The extra point made it 14-7.

With just over nine minutes to go in the third quarter, Alex Pepin intercepted a pass and returned it 27 yards to the Kenyon 13-yard line. Facing a third-and-goal from the seven, Nichols found Hanifan for the touchdown and the extra point pushed the margin to 14, 21-7.

The Hornets forced a quick turnover on downs, allowing only 14 yards on five plays.

Kalamazoo's defense was stout all afternoon and in the fourth quarter, the squad forced another turnover. Looking at a second-and-six on its own 27-yard line, Nolan Jannega forced a fumble and Carson Deines recovered it with 10:47 to go.

The Hornets took nearly five minutes off the clock before being forced to punt. With 5:19 to go, Jaden Johnson tipped a pass and Adam Stapleton returned it seven yards for the score. The extra point from Roberts extended the advantage to 28-7 at the 5:12 mark.  

Kalamazoo forced a three-and-out before finishing the game on a six-play drive.

For the contest, Nichols completed 14-of-29 for 115 yards and a score.

Hanifan hauled in five passes for 40 yards and a score. Spates caught two passes for 37 yards in the win.

On the ground, Riley rushed 15 times for 89 yards and a score. Thomas Shemwell had eight attempts for 21 yards.

Defensively, Corey Garrison and Deines shared honors with seven tackles apiece. Marcus Pedde, Brennan Pannucci, Jack Duggins and Gabe Olivier all had a solo tackle for loss.

Jackson Mitchel had two pass break-ups. Hall, Pepin and Stapleton all had interceptions in the victory.

Nichols averaged 41 yards on seven punts, including a long of 71. He placed four inside the 20-yard line.

The Hornets return to action next Saturday, Sept. 21, when they play at Manchester. Kick-off is slated for 1 p.m.