After grabbing the early momentum in the first quarter of their football game at Michigan Tech, the Hillsdale College Chargers would see the host Huskies rattle off the next 29 points.
A big turning point came in the first quarter when Hillsdale, leading 13-7, stripped Tech quarterback Steve Short at the goal line to stop a Husky touchdown. With the ball at its own one, Hillsdale's drive would last one play and would set in motion a big roll for MTU.
Tech brought the house on the next play and sacked Charger qb Troy Weatherhead deep in the endzone for a safety bringing the score to Hillsdale 13 Tech 9.
Michigan Tech would build as much as a 36-13 lead before Mark Petro would drill a 36 yard rain-soaked field goal with a minute left in the 3rd quarter. Hillsdale 16 MTU 36.
Tech would add a field goal on the next possession to go up 39-16 before the Chargers would go on a roll of their own.
After struggling a good bit of the day, Troy Weatherhead engineered a spectacular drive going 68 yards in 4 plays in just 1:17. AJ Kegg topped things with a 15 yard touchdown catch. Hillsdale 23 Tech 39.
Another 5 play quick strike drive would bring Hillsdale within 10 when Vinnie Panizzi would plow in from 3 yards out. The two point conversion would come up inches short. HC 29 MTU 39.
The defense would chip in on the theatrics, as they stripped Short again and linebacker Tom Korte returned the fumble all of the way back to the Husky 30.
It would only take 3 plays for the Chargers to find the endzone. Aaron Waldie's 13 yard reception and Petro's extra point brought the game within 3. Hillsdale 36 Tech 39 with 4:50 left to play.
Another great defensive series got Hillsdale the ball back quickly and the efficient Charger offense would move the ball easily within Mark Petro's range. Things went bad though when the Chargers were backed up 5 extra yards on a delay of game penalty before the snap on the field goal attempt. Things got worse and ultimately cost the Chargers the ballgame when the snap from the Husky 26 for the tying fieldgoal squirted through the holder's hands and all Petro could do was fall on it.
Michigan Tech was able to run out the clock and escape with the victory. 39-36.
A tough one to say the least, and not really pretty in a pouring down rain. A big salute goes to Hillsdale though for the valiant effort the Chargers showed. What looked like a blowout loss darn near ended up a victory for the Blue and White.
Hillsdale returns home next week to face Northwood.
On the day, Troy Weatherhead was 22 of 38 for 296 yards, 2 tds, and 2 interceptions. AJ Kegg had another 100+ yard day as he hauled in 5 balls for 105 and a touchdown. Aaron Waldie caught 5 for 68 yards and a score. Panizzi carried 19 times for 95 yards and a score. Brett Lark added 46 yards on 9 carries.
Defensively, Tom Korte had a big day with 12 and a half tackles, a sack and 2 fumble recoveries. Alex Wojic had 7 stops and a pick. Lance Smith had 7 tackles as well.
(photo by Doug Waldie as posted at Chargerblue Space)
2 comments:
We need to forget about it and look forward to next week. The character of a team is the ability to rebound. GO CHARGERS!
Agreed.....those 3 point losses will be turning into wins soon. Several first year starters grew a lot yesterday, and just like the weather after the game ended - the sun will be shining soon......
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