Hillsdale Opens in Impressive Fashion

Chargers Explode in 2nd Quarter Enroute to big Win

After a scoreless 1st quarter, Mark Nicolet and the Charger offense erupted for 21 points in the first 9 minutes of the second quarter, all thanks to big plays on offense, defense, and special teams.

The Chargers forced 3 first half turnovers including interceptions from Tom Korte and Jared Kell.

Mark Nicolet plunged in from the 1 yard line on the first play of the 2nd quarter capping a drive set up by a great Nick Gurica punt return.

The Chargers would come right back following Korte’s interception. Phil Martin took a direct snap and scored from 27 yards out. Greg Dixon added a 1 yard TD to round out the first half scoring. Mark Petro was 3 of 3 on extra-points in the first half.

In the first half, Hillsdale outgained Gannon 176 yards to 94. The Knights’ only drive was stymied just before the half with Kell’s pick. The Charger defense held Gannon and the heralded Baby Bush Jon Richardson to just 7 yards on 6 carries the entire day.

The Charger special teams helped the offense again in the 3rd quarter with punt block. Brett Neller picked up a big 4th down conversion that would eventually lead to a Nicolet keeper putting Hillsdale up 27-0. Petro’s kick tacked on the extra-point.

After giving up a Gannon touchdown and having a punt blocked, the Charger defense got the offense the ball back. Phil Martin has always played well against Gannon, but has excelled in the 4th quarter. Martin had his biggest gain of the day with a 54 yard scamper and then finalized the drive with a 2 yard drive. Hillsdale 35, Gannon 7.

Nicolet finishes the day 12 of 19 for 126 yards and no interceptions. Martin was the game’s leading rusher with 155 yards and 2 touchdowns. Hillsdale limits Gannon to 21 rushing yards on 21 carries. Kell and Korte each had 6 tackles. Steve Balone added 5.