The Game
Almost half way through the season now, the Oilers are the only remaining unbeaten team in the Great Midwest at 5-0 (3-0 G-MAC) and have climbed to #19 in the AFCA DII National rankings. Hillsdale is coming to town for the fourth home game of the year, a 2:00 pm kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 11, a game that serves as the Oilers Homecoming game. 
 
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#19 Findlay Oilers (5-0, 3-0 G-MAC)
2025 Findlay Football Coaching Staff

Continuing his strong play under center is Andrew Leonard.  He was a near perfect 11-12 through the air last week against Walsh.  Leonard also became the first true freshman in Findlay history to record two straight games with three touchdown passes.

Denny Furlong continued his breakout campaign last week, finishing with 156 receiving yards on eight catches.  The junior brought it three touchdown receptions, including a 51 yarder to get the scoring going in the second half.

On the defensive side of things, the Oilers run defense continues to impress.  Findlay held Walsh to a season low 38 rushing yards in last week's contest, as they could only muster 1.7 yards a carry.  Opponents have yet to rush for over 100 yards in a game so far this season, or record a run longer than 17 yards.

The Oilers secondary also continues its solid play, as they have only allowed three passing touchdowns in the first five games of the season.  Coming up big last week was Johnny Harris, who put the game on ice with his first interception of the season.

About the Opponent – Hillsdale (2-3, 1-2 G-MAC)

Always a formidable opponent, records tend to lose their meaning when the Hillsdale College Chargers appear on the schedule. Despite a slow start in terms of wins and losses, this Chargers team has shown it can compete with the best in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Early season defeats to Michigan Tech, Ashland, and Tiffin,teams with a combined record of 11–4,don't tell the full story. Hillsdale also owns one of the most impressive wins in the league this season, a dominant 44–0 shutout over Kentucky Wesleyan.

Now in the second year under head coach Nate Shreffler, Hillsdale sits at 2–3 and ranks in the middle of the G-MAC in several key statistical categories. The Chargers are fifth in total offense, averaging 341.2 yards per game, and eighth in total defense, allowing 363.0 yards per contest. Much of the offensive production has come from freshman running back Ben Ngishu, who leads the conference in rushing yards with 431. Ngishu has touched the ball on 25% of Hillsdale's offensive plays this season and has gained 346 yards on 58 carries over the last three games alone, including multiple 100-yard performances.

Sophomore quarterback Colin McKernan has provided steady leadership under center, completing 71-of-131 passes for 833 yards and nine touchdowns through five games. His efficiency and poise have helped stabilize the offense, particularly in the team's win over Kentucky Wesleyan, where he threw three touchdown passes and completed 70% of his attempts.

The Chargers also feature several returning all-conference players who continue to make an impact this season. Wide receiver and kick returner Shea Ruddy, the 2024 G-MAC Special Teams Player of the Year, remains a dynamic threat in multiple roles. Last season, Ruddy led the league in all-purpose yards and yards per catch, and his versatility continues to create matchup problems for opposing defenses. On the offensive line, Hillsdale is benefiting from the leadership of veterans who played alongside former Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year Nick Affholter, whose influence still resonates in the trenches.

Defensively, linebacker Jacob Vance and defensive lineman Hunter Sperling, both first-team All-G-MAC selections in 2024, continue to anchor the unit. Vance, a junior, led the team in tackles last season and has picked up right where he left off. Through five games in 2025, he has recorded 26 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Sperling has added 3.0 tackles and 1.0 sack so far this season, continuing to be a disruptive force on the interior line. Both players have earned multiple team awards for their performances and are recognized leaders on and off the field.

However, the Chargers have struggled against the pass, allowing a league-high 261 passing yards per game. The most glaring example came against Michigan Tech, where Hillsdale surrendered 364 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Explosive plays have also been a concern, with the Chargers giving up two of the five longest passing plays in the conference this season,87 and 76 yards, respectively.

Despite these challenges, Hillsdale's roster is loaded with talent and experience. With emerging stars like Ngishu, steady quarterback play from McKernan, and proven veterans on both sides of the ball, the Chargers are well-positioned to make noise in the second half of the season. Their upcoming matchups will be critical in determining whether they can climb back into contention in the G-MAC title race. 

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