Hillsdale, Mich. - The University of Findlay football team concluded a three-game road trip on Saturday, Sep. 23 with a game at Hillsdale College, a contest that was won by the Orange and Black by a score of 31-21. The victory gives the Oilers a 3-1 record through four weeks, including a 2-0 record in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play while Hillsdale falls to 0-4 on the year and 0-2 in the G-MAC.

It was the first time since 2017 that the Oilers were on the road for three consecutive games, and that year included a pair of playoff contests to end that season. Findlay had not played three road games in a row during the regular season since 2013.

Findlay won the toss and deferred, starting the game on defense. The first series went well for the visitors, forcing a punt after a big tackle-for-loss by junior Evan Carpenter.

The Oilers, starting the drive on their own 46 yard line, began a calculated march down the field. The drive would end up covering just 54 yards but took up almost five minutes of game clock. On that drive, Findlay ran the ball six times including a one-yard rush by senior Brian Benson to cap the series with a touchdown.

An interception by senior Quinn Smith gave the Oilers the ball back, but the visitors could not cash in, ultimately ending the quarter with a seven point lead.

On the first possession of the second quarter, senior quarterback Alec Bornhorst showed off his arm, completing all five of his pass attempts, three of which, including the touchdown, were to tight end MIke Rigerman. The long play of the drive was a 25 yard completion to junior Makya Matthews. The drive ended with a 14-yard pass to Rigerman.

Just before the half, Findlay found the scoreboard again, capping another five-minute drive with a touchdown. Bornhorst found junior Elijah McLaughlin over the middle for an 11-yard score with just 12 seconds to play, sending the Oilers into the half with a 21-0 lead.

A Jeremiah Jackson interception set up another score for the Oilers, the third passing touchdown of the day by Bornhorst. This time he found sophomore Bryan Hunt, giving Findlay 28 unanswered points.

Hillsdale would score three times in the fourth, but it was not nearly enough as Findlay, which also picked up a fourth quarter field goal, went on to a ten-point victory, their eight win in ten tries against the Chargers.

Findlay controlled the clock, possessing the ball for 33:26 while the Chargers had it for just 26:34. The Oilers also made big plays when it mattered most, converting on eight of 13 third down tries.

The Oilers put up 434 yards of offense that included 205 on the ground and 229 through the air, picking up 25 first downs along the way.

Bornhorst continues to get better each week and on Saturday, completed 20-of-26 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed 12 times for 58 yards. Bryan Hunt was the top target, collecting 90 yards on five receptions while junior Mitch Nielsen had 46 yards on six receptions.

Senior Brian Benson was the leader on the ground, rushing 23 times for 154 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore Romaro Warren Jr. and sophomore Londyn Claxton each had eight tackles in the game to lead the defense. Claxton had a sack and 1.5 tackles-for-loss. Seniors Johnny Harris and Jordan Grimes each had seven tackles including a tackle-for-loss. Harris added a forced fumble to his ledger.

Turning the ball over was senior Jeremiah Jackson and senior Quinn Smith. Jackson had six tackles and an interception while Smith had a half tackle-for-loss and two interceptions.

Findlay returns home next Saturday, Sep. 30 for a Homecoming Game matchup with the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers. That game will kick off at 4:00 pm.