Football team drops 24-7 decision at Alma

ALMA, Mich. – The Olivet College football team dropped a 24-7 decision to Alma College today in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) game at Bahlke Field in Alma.

The Scots took a 6-0 lead with 2:22 left in the first quarter when Jarrett Leister capped an 11-play, 59-yard drive with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Austin Montgomery. Olivet put together a drive and was down to the Alma 20 but an interception thwarted the drive.

The Scots took advantage of three bad snaps over the Olivet punter's head to put their final 18 points on the board. The Comets got scored their touchdown on their final possession of the game. Freshman Daniel Bolster (Dundee) completed a 16-yard pass to freshman Jon Beach (Central/Montcalm). Junior Blake Iobe (Marshall) made the PAT kick.

For the game, Olivet outgained Alma, 251-222, in total yards. Senior Mike Martin (Caledonia/Wayland Union) had 18 carries for 89 yards. Junior Edric Miller (Battle Creek/Central) rushed 13 times for 53 yards. Bolster threw for 124 yards on 15-of-33 passing. Beach was the leading receiver with six catches for 89 yards. Defensively, senior Ryan Reurink (Wayland/ Union) had a team-leading 15 total tackles.

For the Scots, Matt Ruhlman carried the ball 17 times for 58 yards. Leister was 9-of-26 for 110 yards. Mike Lenneman and Ricky Roth each had three catches for 33 and 21 yards, respectively. Anthony Sabatella led all players with 17 tackles.

The Comets will conclude their 2011 season next Saturday, Nov. 12, when Hope College visits the Cutler Athletic Complex for a 1 p.m. game. For the game, Olivet is presenting a "Salute to Armed Forces." Veterans and active servicemen and servicewomen and their families will be admitted free of charge.