Football rolls to win at Adrian

GROUND AND POUND — Hope rushed for 396 yards in their big win at Adrian Saturday. Pictured: Mike Miklusicak (’18). (Photo: Hope.edu)

The Hope College football team improved their record to 3-3 with a 25-7 victory over Adrian College on Saturday. Once again, the Flying Dutchmen defense came to play and shut down the Bulldog offense. Hope kicker Darren Ford (’19) tied an MIAA record with four field goals made in the game.

After a hard-fought first quarter, Hope got on the board first when Ford hit the first of his four field goals with 15 seconds left in the opening frame. Ford tacked on another three points in the second quarter with his second field goal, giving Hope a 6-0 halftime lead. The Dutchmen opened the second half with a 71 yard drive that ended in yet another Ford field goal. Hope got the ball right back and proceeded to break the game open as quarterback Michael Custer (’17) connected with Cooper Cecchini (’20) for a 75 yard touchdown. Mike Miklusicak (’18) concluded the third quarter scoring capping off a 92-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run. Ford nailed his fourth field goal of the game in the fourth quarter to conclude the scoring.

Hope rushed for 396 yards on Saturday and has officially found its offensive identity as this was the second time they’ve rushed for over 300 yards and the fourth time going over 100 yards. Leading the way on the ground for the Dutchmen was Brandan Campbell (’18) who accumulated 171 yards on 20 carries. Miklusicak wasn’t far behind as he carried the ball 34 times for 167 yards and a touchdown. Through the air, Custer finished 11-19, 185 yards and a touchdown. Cecchini lead all receivers with 4 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown.

The Dutchmen defense held Adrian to just 55 yards on the ground and intercepted quarterback Gage Smith three times, its most in a game since Nov. 1, 2014. Coming down with those interceptions were Kimani Dooley (’18), Kirk Gibson (’17) and Andy Lucas (’17). Leading the way with seven tackles was Griffin Weigl (’18), followed by Zach Telfor (’18) and Ian Gorgenson (’19) who each had six tackles.

The Flying Dutchmen are back at Smith Stadium this Saturday when they take on Trine University for homecoming.