Findlay, Ohio – The No. 16 University of Findlay football team earned a hard-fought 7-6 victory over Ashland University on Saturday, October 10, at Donnell Stadium. In a defensive battle between the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) rivals, the Oilers scored the game's only touchdown in the fourth quarter and held off a late Ashland push to secure the one-point win. With the win, Findlay improves to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in G-MAC play, while Ashland falls to 1-5 overall and 1-3 in conference action.
Neither team found the end zone in the opening quarter, as both defenses limited scoring opportunities. Findlay threatened early, driving into Ashland territory before a 36-yard field goal attempt was blocked. The Oilers continued to move the ball but were unable to capitalize on their first-half opportunities.
After both teams traded interceptions in the second quarter, Ashland broke the scoreless tie with 5:16 remaining in the half, converting an 18-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead. Findlay responded with a lengthy drive before halftime, covering 72 yards on 14 plays and reaching the Ashland 19-yard line. However, the Oilers were unable to convert the possession into points, sending the game into the break with the Eagles ahead 3-0.
The defensive battle continued through the third quarter. Findlay linebacker
Jon Slaper intercepted an Ashland pass and returned it 30 yards to set the Oilers up at the Eagles' 35-yard line. Despite the favorable field position, Findlay could not convert the turnover into points. The Oilers later recovered a fumble, but another
Chase Harrison interception ended the ensuing possession and kept the game at 3-0 in favor of Ashland through three quarters.
Findlay finally broke through early in the fourth quarter. The Oilers put together a 12-play, 52-yard drive that lasted 6:26, capped by a one-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback
Chase Harrison to
Jakar Williams with 10:05 remaining.
Zachary Barzd added the extra point to give Findlay a 7-3 advantage.
Ashland answered with a drive into the red zone, but the Oilers' defense forced the Eagles to settle for a 21-yard field goal with 7:47 left, cutting the Findlay lead to 7-6.
Findlay's defense came through in the closing minutes, forcing a punt from the Ashland 3-yard line. The Oilers took possession near midfield and moved into Ashland territory, but the Eagles forced a turnover on downs with 45 seconds remaining. Ashland's final possession ended without a score, allowing Findlay to secure the 7-6 victory.
Offensively, Findlay totaled 372 yards, including 205 on the ground.
Dominic Bennett led the rushing attack with 119 yards on 18 carries, highlighted by a 54-yard run. Bennett also led the Oilers with 56 receiving yards on three catches.
Christian Davis added 63 rushing yards on 12 attempts.
Andrew Leonard completed nine of 12 passes for 103 yards, while Harrison finished 9-for-15 for 64 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Cameron Wright led the Oilers with seven receptions for 42 yards.
Defensively, Findlay limited Ashland to 227 total yards, including 78 rushing yards. Slaper recorded an interception and a team-high 30-yard return, while
Mason Kucera also picked off a pass, giving the Oilers two interceptions as a team.
Josh Woods led Findlay with 12 total tackles, and the defense recovered a fumble to help preserve the narrow lead.
The Oilers will return to action on Saturday, October 17 when they travel to Hillsdale for a matchup with the Chargers. Kick-off is set for 12 pm.
