KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College football team picked up an exciting 35-34 win over Olivet Saturday afternoon for Homecoming.
The Hornets are now 3-4 overall, including 2-2 in MIAA action.
Head Coach
John Krajacic's team trailed 6-0 early in the second quarter. After forcing a punt, Kalamazoo started the drive on its own eight-yard line. On second-and-eight,
Brayden Ledin completed a 42-yard strike to
Kyler Maiorana to the 48-yard line. Josh Anderson hauled in a 33-yard pass on first-and-10, moving the ball to the 15-yard line. After an 11-yard rush by Maiorana, Ledin completed the quick drive with a four-yard scamper for the score.
Pawel Surowiec's extra point gave the Hornets a 7-6 lead with 11:39 to play in the frame.
Trailing 20-7 with 4:21 to play before halftime, the Hornets gained possession on the 28-yard line. Facing third-and-one,
Trey Richey rushed for 15 yards and a first down. Two plays later,
Carsen Moat caught a 14-yard strike from
Evan Abberger, moving the ball to the 28-yard line. A seven-yard strike to Abberger and a penalty put the Hornets on the 10-yard line. After a pass interference call, Richey rushed for a two-yard touchdown and the extra point made it 20-14 at halftime.
An 11-play, 90-yard drive culminated with a nine-yard touchdown strike from Ledin to
Aaron Zekman nine minutes into the third quarter for a 21-20 lead. During the drive, Kalamazoo converted two third downs and had a 17-yard pass from Ledin to
Hayden Johnston, setting up first-and-goal.
Down 28-21, the Hornets marched 58 yards on eight plays for the go-ahead touchdown. Ledin connected with Zekman for a 30-yard pass on third-and-eight in order to get into the red zone. Four plays later, Ledin rushed six yards for the touchdown with 1:10 to go in the third quarter.
Early in the fourth stanza, Maiorana had a 22-yard gain on the ground. On second-and-eight from the 32-yard line, Ledin hit Zekman for the touchdown. The ensuing extra point propelled Kalamazoo to a 35-28 lead.
Olivet scored with 6:43 remaining, but the visitors missed the extra point, which proved to be the difference. Kalamazoo ensured Olivet would not get another chance to take the lead as the Hornets ran out the clock.
For the game, Kalamazoo averaged 6.95 yards per play. The Hornets totaled 459 yards on 66 plays. The squad earned 24 first downs. Kalamazoo picked up 152 yards on the ground and 307 through the air.
Ledin hit 17-of-25 for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Zekman caught eight passes for 119 yards and two scores. Moat had three receptions for 47 yards while Maiorana had 44 yards receiving.
On the ground, Maiorana averaged 6.1 yards per carry, totaling 61 yards on 10 attempts. Ledin had two rushing touchdowns while Richey had one.
Defensively,
Zach Sykes led the way with 11 total tackles, including one for loss.
Grant Anderson had nine tackles while
Drew Fortino had eight stops.
Brody Quinn chipped in seven tackles. Sykes and
Quentin Hill each had 1.5 sacks while Quinn had a pass breakup.
Silas Reese recorded an interception.
Moat averaged 36.5 yards per punt while
Cameron Lewis had one punt for 36 yards.
The Hornets return to action Saturday, Oct. 31, when they play at Hope at 1 p.m.
