Football team loses to Wittenberg, 37-6, in home-opener

The Olivet College football team opened the 2009 season with a 37-6 loss against Wittenberg (Ohio) University tonight at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

The Tigers built a 27-0 halftime lead by scoring on four touchdowns in the half. The first two came on a nine-yard run and a one-yard run by Corey Weber. The third and fourth were on 20-yard and 26-yard pass plays by quarterback Aaron Huffman to Michael Cooper and Patrick Williams, respectively.

Wittenberg added to their lead on their first series of the second half when Zack Harris nailed a 28-yard field goal. After forcing Olivet to punt, the Tigers used a two-yard touchdown run by Weber to take a 37-0 lead. The Comets scored on their only possession of the fourth quarter. Sophomore Mike Martin (Caledonia/South Christian) capped a three-play, 40-yard drive with a 25-yard touchdown run.

Offensively, Wittenberg outgained Olivet, 540-117. Martin was the Comets' leading ball carrier with three carries for 33 yards. Senior Pat Clasgens (Livonia/Stevenson) carried the ball nine times for 26 yards. Sophomores Nick McCleary (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) and C.J. Gregory (Canton/Plymouth) each threw for 31 yards. Sophomore James Williams (Battle Creek/Central) led the Olivet receivers with three catches for 33 yards.

Defensively, junior Chris Behnke (Olivet) had a game-high 10 tackles. Junior Nick Glass (Flint/Powers) and senior Jared Thornton (Colon) each had nine tackles. Freshman Glenn VanNortwick (Wayland/Wayland Union) recorded two tackles for loss, including a quarterback sack. On special teams, senior Ryan Patten (Charlotte) punted the ball eight times for 324 yards, a 40.5 average.

Weber topped the Tiger ground attack with 26 rushes for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Huffman completed 16-of-26 passes for 265 yards and two scores. Williams caught five passes for 52 yards. Zach Hall led the Wittenberg defense with six tackles.

Olivet returns to action next Saturday, Sept. 12, when it travels to play Elmhurst (Ill.) College at 1 p.m. EST. Wittenberg has its bye week, and will return to the field Saturday, Sept. 19, at Washington (Mo.) University.