Findlay, Ohio – The #10-ranked University of Findlay football team hosted Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) opponent Lake Erie College on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Donnell Stadium. The Oilers delivered another complete, three-phase blowout, dismantling the Storm 54-6 to improve to 9-1 overall and 7-1 in conference play, while dropping Lake Erie to 4-6 (2-6 G-MAC).
Entering the game leading Division II in scoring defense, the Oilers' unit on that side of the ball was spectacular once again. The only blemish came late in the first quarter when Lake Erie's Hunter Newell found Dalen Stovall for a 45-yard touchdown. That was the first touchdown given up by the Oilers since Oct. 17, three weeks ago.
Findlay struck early and often, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind rushing touchdowns from Dominic Bennett and Jordan Mathews. After Lake Erie's lone score, the Oilers exploded for 14 more points in the second quarter, highlighted by a 22-yard touchdown scamper from Bennett and a 15-yard scoring strike from Andrew Leonard to Cameron Wright.
A 48-yard touchdown bomb from Chase Harrison to Denny Furlong and a 6-yard Christian Davis rushing score pushed the lead to an insurmountable 42-6 by the end of the third quarter.
Wright was a dynamic weapon in all phases. In addition to a great day receiving with six catches for 56 yards and a touchdown, he brought the home crowd to its' feet in the fourth quarter with a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown, marking his second punt return score of the season.
Findlay controlled the statistical battle, amassing 513 yards of total offense compared to Lake Erie's 237. The Oilers racked up 22 first downs while limiting the Storm to just 14. The defense capped the day appropriately with a late fourth-quarter safety on a botched snap from the center, stamping the 54-6 final score.
Defensive lineman Eric Jones was a complete menace in the trenches, dominating the afternoon with a career-high seven total tackles. He continually spent time in the Lake Erie backfield, recording 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two quarterback hurries, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery that he returned for six yards. Linebacker Jon Slaper had six tackles while Josh Woods and Elijah Shankle had five. Shankle added 1.5 TFL to his ledger.
Walter Berry Jr. and Riley Caldwell each recorded interceptions for Findlay on the day, highlighting a quartet of takeaways that also included a fumble recovery and muffed punt by the Storm.
Offensively, quarterback Chase Harrison had a big day, torching the Lake Erie secondary for a career-high 345 passing yards while completing 23 of his 31 attempts. His primary deep threat was Khilee White, who also registered a career-high with 104 receiving yards on six catches. Denny Furlong had three receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown while Wright hauled in six receptions for 56 yards and a score.
Dominic Bennett was the leading rusher, carrying the ball 11 times for 83 yards and two scores. Christian Davis and Jordan Mathews each rushed for a score while gaining 29 and 23 yards, respectively.
Findlay is looking to make a little history next week when they take on the Tiffin Dragons. The Oilers are looking to tie the NCAA era regular-season record of ten wins, set last year, and are hoping to bring home the Battle of 224 trophy for the first time. Findlay can also earn a share of the G-MAC Championship with a win and Northwood loss next week and finally, a win by the Oilers would all but guarantee an NCAA postseason appearance for the Oilers. Kickoff next week in Tiffin will take place at noon.
