The Game
The Tyler Johns era got off to a ferocious start last Saturday as the Oilers went into Key Stadium in Indianapolis and took down the #9 UIndy Greyhounds 30-10. UF hopes to carry that momentum into Donnell Stadium this Saturday, Sep. 12 when they welcome in the Fairmont State University Fighting Falcons. Kickoff is set for noon in the Oilers' home-opener.

The Series
This is just the second all-time meeting between Fairmont State and Findlay with the only matchup coming back in 1969. That game, which was played at Fairmont State, was a 20-6 loss for Findlay.

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Video streaming of the contest will be produced by Indianapolis and streamed on the GLVC Network.

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#10 Findlay Oilers (1-0, 0-0 G-MAC)
2026 Findlay Football Coaching Staff

The Tyler Johns era at the University of Findlay started off with a major statement as the Oilers traveled to Indianapolis and dismantled #9 UIndy 30-10. The decisive road victory sent shockwaves through Division II football and propelled Findlay five spots up the AFCA national rankings into the top ten at #10. Now, the Oilers return to Donnell Stadium this Saturday for their highly anticipated home opener against Fairmont State, looking to build on that momentum.

Findlay's offense picked up right where it left off last season, outgaining the Greyhounds 466 to 250 in total yards. Running back Christian Davis delivered a dynamic performance on the ground, racking up 107 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries (8.9 yards per carry)—highlighted by an electrifying 85-yard touchdown burst down the sideline in the second quarter. Through the air, starting quarterback Chase Harrison was composed and efficient, completing 17-of-27 passes for 222 yards and an 18-yard touchdown strike to Preseason All-American Denny Furlong, who finished with 5 catches for 68 yards. Backup Andrew Leonard also made his snaps count, connecting with Delon Hurt for a 29-yard scoring play. Hurt was virtually unguardable all afternoon, pacing the receiving corps with 8 catches for 124 yards.

While the offense generated the explosive plays, the Oilers' retooled defense stole the show by completely shutting down UIndy's offense. Findlay surrendered just 57 net rushing yards on 23 attempts and held the Greyhounds to 1-of-12 on third downs. Junior linebacker Jon Slaper was everywhere, earning G-MAC Defensive Athlete of the Week honors after recording a team-high 9 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss. Defensive back Samuel Lawanson delivered a second-half spark, snagging a fourth-quarter interception and returning it 49 yards to set up a Zachary Barzd field goal. Preseason all-American Christion Stokes added 5 tackles, while Eric Jones logged a sack as the defensive front controlled the trenches.

With a top-10 ranking now next to their name, Coach Johns and the Oilers turn their focus to the home crowd in Findlay. Facing off against non-conference opponent Fairmont State, Findlay will aim to protect home turf, keep the offense rolling, and prove that their statement win in Indy was just the beginning of another special run.

About the Opponent – Fairmont State Fighting Falcons(0-2, 0-0 MEC)

Under the direction of third-year head coach Luke Barker, the Fairmont State University football program looks to right the ship following back-to-back winning seasons in the Mountain East Conference (MEC). Barker, who holds a 13-9 overall record entering the fall after guiding the Falcons to a 7-4 finish in 2024 and a 6-5 mark in 2025, has built a competitive foundation with 25 All-MEC selections over his first two campaigns. However, as Fairmont State prepares for its non-conference tilt against Findlay, the Falcons are seeking answers after a challenging start to the 2026 season.

Fairmont State enters the matchup at 0-2, having struggled to find consistency on either side of the ball through the opening two weeks. The Falcons are averaging 16.5 points and 259.5 total yards per game while surrendering 39.0 points and 382.5 yards to opponents. Ball security and pass protection have been early obstacles for Fairmont State; the offense has thrown six interceptions and surrendered nine sacks through two games, resulting in an average time of possession of just 27:16.

Offensively, the Falcons have utilized a two-quarterback approach featuring Deven Sisler and Nino Marzullo, the 2024 MEC Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. Sisler has provided a spark through the air, completing 14 of 26 passes for 165 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. On the ground, explosive back Joshua Jones has led the rushing attack, averaging a robust 6.7 yards per carry with 120 net yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts. Ty'Rek Spikes (33 carries) and Rickey Hunt Jr., who holds the Division I FBS record for touchdowns scored in a Bowl Game with five, also share workload in the backfield. In the passing game, big-play wideout Breon Hardnett (34.0 yards per catch) and Ralo Wesley lead the team in receiving yards, while Gage Michael and Chico Thomas Jr. have each recorded a touchdown reception.

On the defensive side of the ball, Fairmont State relies on a mix of veteran leadership and returning all-conference talent. Defensive back Demarcus Daniels leads the Falcons with 13 total tackles (8 solo) and a pass breakup, closely followed by Jeffery Polk and Jasha Brown with 12 tackles apiece. Returning Second Team All-MEC selections Montel Sims (12 tackles) and Karron Watties (10 tackles, 2.5 TFLs) anchor the box alongside Nick Longo. Defensive lineman Darrick Badley has been the unit's top playmaker in the backfield, registering 2.5 tackles for loss and accounting for the team's sole sack of the season.

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