Postgame with Coach Johns
Crestview Hills, Ky. – The #13-ranked University of Findlay football team traveled to face Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) opponent Thomas More on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Republic Bank Field. The Oilers delivered a convincing 49-0 shutout victory, improving to 8-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play, while dropping the Saints to 2-7 (2-5 G-MAC). This marks the third straight season the Oilers have started 8-1 or better.
The Oilers' offense capitalized on their opening drive, marching 43 yards in ten plays and capping the sequence with a one-yard touchdown run from senior quarterback Chase Harrison. From there, the Findlay defense took over, completely shutting down the Saints, ultimately pitching a shutout. Through nine weeks, Findlay has allowed just 92 points, the fewest allowed to this point in a season since 1995.
The Oilers expanded their advantage in the second quarter with a pair of field goals from Zachary Barzd and a 15-yard touchdown strike from Harrison to junior Cameron Wright, taking a comfortable 21-0 lead into the locker room.
The offensive success continued in the second half, with Harrison finding junior Danny Stoddard for a 16-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Backup quarterback Andrew Leonard then entered to throw a 31-yard scoring pass to presesaon all-American senior Denny Furlong and a six-yard touchdown to freshman Caleb Miller before rushing for his own six-yard score to comfortably close out the blowout.
Findlay dominated on the stat sheet, racking up 389 yards of total offense compared to Thomas More's 171. The Oilers earned 25 first downs while limiting the Saints to just 11.
The Findlay defense has suffocated opponents all season, ranking first in the G-MAC and fourth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 11.5 points per game before today.
Junior defensive lineman Elijah Shankle, who ranks third in the G-MAC in sacks per game, picked up 1.5 sacks on Saturday while junior Dion Franklin had a half sack and a forced fumble.
Junior linebacker Jon Slaper tallied a team-high eight tackles, and senior Christion Stokes recorded the game's only interception.
Offensively, Harrison efficiently managed the passing attack, completing 18 of 25 attempts for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
Leonard supplemented the air attack nicely as well, completing 8 of 12 passes for 97 yards and two scores. He also had a rushing touchdown to his credit.
Furlong led all receivers with seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, while Wright added six receptions for 67 yards and a score. On the ground, sophomore Jordan Mathews paced the rushing attack with 80 yards on just nine touches.
Findlay is back in action on Saturday, Nov. 7 with a game against Lake Erie College in Donnell Stadium. It will be the final regular-season home game of the year for the Oilers. Kickoff is set for noon.
