Dutchmen ‘run away’ with first win of the season

BIG MAN ON CAMPUS — Freshman quarterback Bruce Schroeder (’20) crosses the goal line for one of three touchdowns he scored in Hope’s 57-28 win on Saturday. (Photo: Hope Athletics Instagram)

Hope sets Division III mark Saturday behind potent rushing attack

CHICAGO – The Hope College Flying Dutchmen ran for a total of 518 yards on Saturday, which happens to be the most by any Division III team this year, en route to their first win of the season, downing Concordia University-Chicago 57-28. The first win this season means that head coach Peter Stuursma earned his first win as a collegiate head coach. It was very important for Hope to get that win out of the way before their bye week and before they open MIAA play.

Hope got the scoring started just over four minutes into the game with a field goal from kicker Darren Ford (’19). But Concordia responded with a scoring drive of their own taking the lead with a 22 yard touchdown pass. It didn’t last long though, Hope took back the lead in the last 30 seconds of the first quarter on a 41 yard touchdown run by Brandan Campbell (’18). Hope then proceeded to explode in the second quarter scoring three rushing touchdowns, including two by quarterback Bruce Schroeder (’20) and another by Campbell. After a relatively quiet third, the Dutchmen offense was at it again scoring three more times in the fourth quarter on runs from Schroeder, Mike Miklusicak (’18), and Campbell.

As you’ve probably already noticed, the Hope offense was lead by a three-headed rushing attack made up of running backs Campbell and Miklusicak, and quarterback Schroeder. Campbell carried the ball 27 times for 185 yards and three touchdowns, Miklusicak rushed 19 times for 178 yards and two touchdowns, and even though Schroeder was only 5-8 passing, he proved to be very effective on the ground calling his own number 21 times, gained 156 yards and scored three touchdowns. However, the three mentioned above wouldn’t have gone anywhere if not for an outstanding performance from the offensive line. Left tackle Tyler Kirchoff (’18), left guard Jake VanderVeen (’18), center Michael Stephan (’17), right guard Justin Fairfield (’18) and right tackle Matt Rietsma (’18) dominated their counterparts to open up huge holes for their backs all afternoon.

It wasn’t all offense for the Dutchmen though. The defense came up big too, limiting Concordia to only 66 yards rushing and Jacob Pardonnet (’18) managed to pull down an interception giving Hope a ton of momentum. Leading tacklers for Hope included: Andy Lucas (’17)- 10, Mason Rosado (’18)- 8, Kirk Gibson (’17) and Aaron O’Meara (’17)-7.
After a much needed bye week this week, Hope will be back in action Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m. at home to face MIAA foe Olivet College.

Other scores around the MIAA include: Adrian College- 28 at Benedictine University (Ill.)- 35. Alma College- 31 at Concordia University (Wisc.)- 28. Trine University- 55 at Aurora College- 27. Olivet College- 30 at Wisconsin Lutheran College- 7. Albion College- 38 at Lakeland University- 40. Kalamazoo College- 55 at Rockford University- 19. Stay tuned for more scores and updates as the Flying Dutchmen and the rest of the conference battles for the MIAA championship.