Findlay, Ohio – It was far from a comfortable outcome, but winning is the goal and on Saturday, Oct. 11, that is exactly what the University of Findlay football team, ranked no. 19 in the country, accomplished. The Oilers, playing host to the always tough Hillsdale College Chargers, came away with a 16-14 victory in a defensive battle to improve to 6-0 (4-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC)) for the first time since 1997, the year of UF's last NAIA National Championship. Hillsdale, with the loss, falls to 2-4 overall with a 1-3 mark in G-MAC play. This marks the fourth consecutive win for the Oilers over the Chargers and the tenth win in their last 12 matchups.

Defense was the story on Saturday afternoon and early in the game, Findlay flexed its' muscle on that side of the ball. A quick three-and-out on the first possession of the game thanks in part to senior Carl Biddings who made a tackle and had a pass breakup on the first series.

After a punt, facing a third and 12, freshman Andrew Leonard found junior Denny Furlong down the right sideline for 59 yards, a chunk play that ultimately set up a two-yard touchdown run by Leonard.

Hillsdale would tie things up quickly thanks to a 58-yard touchdown run by the G-MAC's leading rusher Ben Ngishu, but on the final play of the first quarter, following a 36-yard punt by Leonard, Findlay's defense plugged up the middle and sophomore Kevin Henderson secured a tackle in the Hillsdale end zone for a safety. That score proved to be a big factor in Saturday's outcome. It was Findlay's first safety since recording one against the Pace Setters back in 2023.

In the second quarter, Leonard connected with Khilee White for a three-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 16-7. Hillsdale had a chance to cut into the deficit before halftime but missed a 27-yard field goal attempt, one of two critical misses by the Chargers' kicker.

The second half was dominated by defense. Hillsdale's only score came in the fourth quarter when Leonard was sacked and fumbled at his own goal line, leading to a recovery and touchdown by Colin Morrow. Hillsdale had another opportunity to take the lead late in the game, driving to the Findlay four-yard line, but missed a 21-yard field goal attempt with just over three minutes remaining.

Findlay's offense responded with a clock-draining drive, including a 24-yard pass to Brennan Remy and an 11-yard pass to Furlong, converting on third and nine to secure the win.

The Oilers dominated the time of possession, keeping the ball for 35:00 and picking up 18 first downs. Findlay finished with 343 yards of total offense while holding Hillsdale to 241.

Leonard finished 15-of-20 for 197 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed 12 times for a net total of nine yards, albeit hindered by six sacks and 43 lost yards. His long run of the game was a 30-yard carry in the fourth quarter. Senior Jayden Farmer carried the ball 16 times for 86 yards.

Furlong, who has been on a tear in the last three weeks, put up 100+ receiving yards for a third consecutive week, finishing with seven catches for 107 yards. He is the first wide receiver at Findlay with three straight 100-yard receiving games since Jason Moore in the 2015 season.

Leading the Oilers' stout defense was senior Johnny Harris who made nine tackles including a half tackle-for-loss. Senior Sam Weihrauch, sophomore Kevin Henderson, and sophomore Riley Caldwell each made five tackles. Weihrauch and Henderson each had a sack to their credit. Sophomore Jon Slaper had three tackles, all of which were TFL.

The Oilers continue their season on Saturday, Oct. 18 with a home game against the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers. Kickoff is set for noon.