Findlay, Ohio - The University of Findlay football team squared off against the Thomas More University for the first time on Saturday, Oct. 14 in Donnell Stadium. The cold, wind, and rain could not stop the Oilers, and neither could the Saints as Findlay went on to a dominating 38-10 victory against the first-year Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) opponent. With the victory the Oilers improve to 5-2 on the year with a 4-1 record in the G-MAC and remain within a game of first place. Thomas More, which was tied with Findlay for second in the standings prior to the game, falls to 4-3 overall with a 3-2 record in league play.

Coming into the game, with bad weather expected and Thomas More's defense being the team's calling card, a low-scoring contest may have been the prediction. No one told the Oilers.

On the first drive of the game, Findlay picked apart the Saints' and drove 66 yards in nine plays, converting on third down twice, to score the first touchdown of the game. That score came on an 18-yard reception by sophomore Bryan Hunt.

The Oilers' defense came out firing, as well, forcing a punt after a short six-play drive. That punt was blocked by junior Keyshawn Bonner, giving Findlay the ball near midfield. However, Findlay was forced into a three-and-out and, on the next possession, Thomas More got on the board, making a 28-yard field goal.

Lead 7-3, Findlay got it's first big offensive play of the day when senior Alec Bornhorst found senior Mike Rigerman over the middle for a catch and run of 38 yards, the second touchdown of the day for the Oilers.

Thomas More got their lone touchdown of the day, and final score of the day, on the next possession, making the score 14-10 with 5:38 to play in the first half.

The Oilers would score on three of their final five possessions to run the score up to 38-10, scoring 24 unanswered points to take the victory against their opponent from the state of Kentucky.

As well as the offense played, Findlay's defense was a major factor in the contest as they faced 12 possessions by Thomas More and forced a three-and-out, or fewer, seven times. They forced seven punts and had two interceptions, limiting the Saints to just 186 yards of total offense, less than 100 yards both rushing and passing.

Junior Johnny Harris had a big day in the Oilers secondary, leading the team with ten tackles including one tackle-for-loss. Findlay's two interceptions came from the secondary, as well, as seniors Jordan Grimes and Jeremiah Jackson each recorded a pick.

Sophomore Sam Weihrauch had eight tackles while senior defensive lineman Reggie Micheaux had a season-high seven tackles including a tackle-for-loss. Freshman Gavin DeGroat, getting significant time in place of Romaro Warren Jr. who was injured last week, made his presence felt, recording six tackles including 1.5 TFL.

Bornhorst stayed hot on offense as he completed 11-of-19 passes for 173 yards, two scores, and no interceptions, leading an offense that would put up 363 yards of total offense. His favorite target, as has been all year, was tight end Mike Rigerman who had 81 receiving yards on four receptions, including a touchdown. Senior Cam Childers had three catches for 43 yards while Bryan Hunt had two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown.

On the ground, senior Brian Benson was a force, carrying the ball 25 times for 133 yards and two scores. He now has rushed for 100 or more yards in three of his previous four games and has at least one rushing touchdown in four consecutive contests. Freshman Marvin Bell had a memorable day on the ground, rushing three times for 24 yards including his first career touchdown, a 15-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.

The weather was a factor, making it a challenge holding onto the pigskin. Combined, the teams fumbled five times with only one resulting in a change of possession.

Findlay hits the road next Saturday, Oct. 21, with a trip to North Canton to battle the Walsh Cavaliers. That contest will kick off at 1:00 pm.

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