Findlay, Ohio - The University of Findlay football team defeated a feisty Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers squad on Saturday, Sep. 30 in Donnell Stadium by a score of 27-21. Surrounded by the buzz of Homecoming festivities, the Oilers improved to 4-1 on the season and remain unbeaten in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) at 3-0. With the defeat, KWC falls to 3-2 overall and suffers their first conference loss, sliding to 2-1 on the year.

A culture shift is in place for the Panthers' football program and that was on display Saturday. Prior to Saturday, Findlay and KWC had met six times, all of which ended in one-sided victories for the Oilers, who have averaged 50 points per game against the Panthers. Today, the feel was different, but in the end the result was the same as Findlay improves to 7-0 against their foe from Owensboro, Kentucky.

Out of the gate, the Panthers were out to prove that they belong in conference contention. Receiving the ball to start the game, KWC got a 49 yard return, sparking their sideline with a jolt of energy. After six plays and just over three minutes, the Panthers found the end zone, taking a 7-0 lead, the second year in a row that KWC had taken a 7-0 lead. Last season, Findlay went on to score 44 unanswered points.

After the kickoff, Findlay took control of the ball at their own 18 yard line. They would embark on one of their most complete drives of the season, marching 82 yards in 12 plays to tie the game. That score would remain into the second quarter.

The Oilers' next possession was stymied by a turnover, a fumble on a big hit from KWC's Ja'Kobe North that gave the ball back to the Purple and White. However, Findlay's defense rose to the occasion, forcing a three-and-out.

The Panthers' defense was not deterred and continued to play as well as it has all season. Findlay faced a second-and-two from their own 40, but after an incomplete pass and rush for no gain, the Oilers decided to try for the fourth down. That attempt was stopped short, and KWC's ensuing drive hit pay dirt, putting the visitors up 14-7. The Oilers would cash in with a field goal before the half, sending the game into the break with Findlay trailing 14-10.

Findlay received the ball to start the second half and muscled their way down the field, scoring in six plays, capping the drive with a nine yard touchdown run by quarterback Alec Bornhorst. That score, and the extra point, gave the home team a 17-14 advantage.

The Oilers finally took control of the game when a long drive by the Panthers was stopped, ending in a missed field goal from 37 yards.

Minutes later, junior Makya Matthews raced 30 yards to the end zone, giving Findlay a 24-14 cushion.

KWC scored to pull within three and needed a stop from their defense to keep hope alive. Findlay did manage a field goal, but with just a six point lead, the Panthers had the ball with two minutes and a chance to earn the win.

The Panthers reached their own 39 yard line and faced a 4th and 2, but senior Jeremiah Jackson, as he has done his whole career, broke up a pass to force the turnover on downs, effectively ending the contest.

Statistically, Findlay dominated the contest, picking up 27 first downs to just 14 for the Panthers, and rushing for 251 yards while allowing just 40 yards on the ground. Through the air, KWC did hold the advantage, throwing for 299 to 178 for the Oilers. What helped the Oilers to the win was their ball control and patience, possessing the ball for 36:11.

Bornhorst was the leader on offense, throwing for 178 yards and rushing for 126 and a touchdown. Matthews rushing 13 times for 83 yards and a score while senior Brian Benson had eight carries for 34 yards and a touchdown. Despite just 34 yards, Benson's effort put him atop the G-MAC's all-time rushing list as he passed David Graham (Hillsdale | 2017-19) who finished with 3,038 yards in his career. Benson currently has 3,063.

Senior Mike Rigerman was the leading receiver with seven receptions for 76 yards and often times looked like the all-American talent that he is, dragging his opponents down the field to pick up extra yardage. Junior Mitch Nielsen had eight catches for 59 yards.

On defense it was senior Johnny Harris and  sophomore Romaro Warren Jr. who led the way with six tackles each. Sophomore Sam Weihrauch and senior Grey Brancifort each had four stops. Sophomore Adonai Bumba had three tackles and an interception, the first of his career.

Findlay will be back on the road for their next contest, heading to Midland, Michigan to take on the Northwood University Timberwolves. That G-MAC affair will kick off at 1:00 pm.