Midland, Michigan - The University of Findlay football team battled a familiar foe on Saturday, Oct. 7, traveling to Midland, Michigan for a date with the Northwood University Timberwolves. In a series that was an even 12-12 through 24 meetings. A wild ending saw the Timberwolves earn a 33-30 victory, their first against the OIlers since 2014. With the loss, the Oilers fall to 4-2 on the year and 3-1 in G-MAC play while Northwood picks up their second win of the year, improving to 2-4 overall and 2-2 in the conference.

Findlay took a quick 14-0 lead through just eight minutes of play, but did give up a score in the first quarter to make the score 14-7.

At the end of the first quarter, Findlay was in the midst of a long drive, one that began on their own six yard line. Three plays of more than 20 yards had the OIlers at Northwood's four yard line to end the first frame. Findlay would run four plays from inside the five, including a fourth-and-one from the one, and were stopped short of the goal line, turning the ball over.

Northwood would get the next score ten minutes later, tying the game at 14-14. After a three-and-out, the Timberwolves reached Findlay's 35 yard line and, just before halftime, nailed a 41 yard field goal to take a three-point lead into halftime.

The teams went back-and-forth in the third quarter and it was Findlay who took a 24-23 lead into the final 15-minute frame.

A field goal by Northwood gave the home team a 26-24 advantage, but a 43-yard touchdown from senior Alec Bornhorst to senior Cam Childers was a big blow that put Findlay back on top 30-26.

Findlay's defense forced a turnover on downs with 2:16 to play in the game, but on the first play of the Oilers' ensuing drive, Bornhorst fumbled, giving the ball back to the Timberwolves with 2:11 to play.

After one first down, Northwood would face a fourth-and-three from the OIlers' 29 with the clock ticking down. Findlay blitzed and looked to get a sack, but a face mask kept the drive alive, sending NU to Findlay's 14 yard line. Once again, the defense rose to the occasion, forcing a turnover on downs with just 55 seconds to play.

Northwood had maintained possession of all three of their timeouts, but a first down would give Findlay the win. The Timberwolves' defense stood strong, forcing a three-and-out. Punting from their own ten yard line, the Oilers got just a 33 yard punt, setting up good field position for Northwood who, after an 11 yard return, would begin their drive at Findlay's 32 with 37 seconds to play.

19 yards on first down would eventually set up a ten-yard touchdown, giving Northwood the 33-30 lead with just 14 seconds left.

Findlay did have an opportunity to tie the game with a 50 yard field goal attempt, but it was missed and the Timberwolves sideline was sent into a frenzy as they had defended their home field against the Oilers' invasion for a sixth consecutive time.

Bornhorst, who was the leading rusher with 73 yards on the ground, finished 21-of-29 passing for 310 yards and three scores. His favorite target was senior Mike Rigerman who had 113 receiving yards in the game, the most since he had 178 against Shepherd in the fall of 2021. Rigerman had a pair of receiving touchdowns as well. Senior Cam Childers had five receptions for 100 yards.

Romaro Warren Jr. had ten tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss while Sam Weihrauch had eight stops and one TFL. Johnny Harris and Adonai Bumba each had seven tackles.

Findlay will look to right the ship on Saturday, Oct. 14 when they host G-MAC newcomer Thomas More in a game set to kick off at noon in Donnell Stadium.