Football team falls to Alma, 42-23

The Olivet College football team scored a season-high 23 points, but it was not enough, as Alma College defeated the Comets, 42-23, this afternoon at Bahlke Field in Alma.

Alma marched down the field and scored on its first possession of the game on an 11-yard run by quarterback Mackenzie McGrady. Following an interception by senior Jared Thornton (Colon), Olivet got on the scoreboard on a 32-yard field goal by senior Graham Lockwood (Haslett/Williamston). Andrew Schaar returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to make the score 14-3. Alma added three more touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 35-3 lead at halftime.

The Scots scored on their first series of the second half to take a 42-3 lead. In the fourth quarter, the Comets scored 20 points. The first two scores were a one- and seven-yard touchdown runs by senior Pat Clasgens (Livonia/Stevenson), and the third score was on a 58-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Nick McCleary (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) to senior J.W. Seekman (Martin).

For the game, Olivet generated 22 first down and 385 total yards of offense to 15 first downs and 331 yards for the Scots. Clasgens carried the ball 15 times for 102 yards, while sophomore Mike Martin (Caledonia/Wayland Union) had 18 rushes for 58 yards. McCleary completed 18-of-30 passes for a career single-game high 206 yards. Junior Ben Sherman (Charlotte) was the leading receiver with eight catches for 58 yards.

Defensively, junior Chris Behnke (Olivet) and freshman Glenn VanNortwick (Wayland/Wayland Union) shared team-high honors with eight tackles apiece. Thornton had six tackles and two interceptions.

Tyler Periard led the Alma ground game with six carries for 56 yards. McGrady was 10-of-18 for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Schaar caught six passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Brent Willis topped the defense with nine tackles.

Olivet (0-8, 0-4 MIAA) will host Hope College next Saturday at 1 p.m.