GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College football team lost a 24-16 decision at Calvin University Saturday evening in the MIAA opener.

The Hornets are now 3-1 on the year, including an 0-1 ledger in MIAA play. The Knights are now 4-0 overall, including a 1-0 record against league foes.

Cameron Lewis opened the scoring just 2:19 into the game with a 31-yard field goal, giving the visitors a 3-0 lead.

Trailing 10-3 in the second quarter, Conner Bell scampered nine yards for a touchdown while the ensuing extra point knotted the game at 10-10. On the drive, Dawson Skupin connected with Carsen Moat for an 18-yard gain. He followed that up with an 11-yard strike to Jaden Johnson and a 16-yard pitch-and-catch with Lucas Hanifan. Three plays later, Bell found paydirt.

After Corey Garrison II and Marcus Pedde combined for a six-yard sack on third-and-nine early in the third quarter, the Hornets took over at their own 37-yard line. Moat hauled in a 22-yard pass while Bell later rushed for 13 yards on a drive. Kalamazoo stalled on third-and-10 from the 19-yard line and Lewis calmly drilled a 37-yard attempt, making it 17-13.  

Down 24-13 late in the game, Kalamazoo went 54 yards on nine plays in just 1:23, leading to a 40-yard field goal from Lewis with 27 ticks remaining. Calvin recovered the onside kick to secure the win.

For the game, Skupin hit 30-of-49 for 347 yards. Jaden Johnson hauled in six passes for 123 yards, including a long of 50. Hanifan registered 13 catches for 104 yards while Aaron Zekman tallied four catches for 64 yards.

Bell led the ground attack with 44 yards on eight attempts with a touchdown. Skupin posted nine net yards on 10 attempts.

Defensively, Raymond Cargill was outstanding. He accounted for 17 tackles, including eight of the solo variety. Corey Garrison II reached double digits with 10 stops, including six solo tackles. Nolan Jannenga had eight tackles, including two for loss. Dillon Gacki had a 10-yard sack.

Hanifan also had three kick returns for 130 yards, including a long of 70.

Kalamazoo had 17 first downs and posted 411 yards, including 347 through the air. Calvin finished with 390 yards of total offense (235 pass, 155 rush).

The Hornets return to action next Saturday, Oct. 4, when they host Olivet for Homecoming starting at 2 p.m.