Adrian, MI – It was a winning weekend for the Lenawee County college football teams, with both programs picking up league wins. Siena Heights University went on the road, leaned on their ground game, and downed Lawrence Tech. Adrian College’s defense was the star in their win over Calvin University at home.
Bulldogs Conquer Knights in First-Ever Football Game…
The Adrian College football team (5-1, 2-1 MIAA) hosted Calvin University (2-4, 0-3 MIAA) on Saturday afternoon for the first time in program history. The Bulldogs went on to defeat the first-year program, 30-10.
Calvin scored first to lead 7-0 which was quickly answered by a one-yard rushing touchdown from Trey Brueggemann with 1:49 to go in the first quarter. Calvin kicked a field goal at the start of the second to regain the lead, but didn’t hold on long after an 11-yard touchdown reception from Khris Crumsey made it 14-10 Adrian at the half. Crumsey’s lengthy kickoff return set up Adrian with a short field.
The Bulldogs went on to hold Calvin scoreless in the second half. Jalen Wallace caught a 22-yard pass from Noah Heide to extend the lead to 21-10 with 3:26 to go in the third. After a deep punt from Sammy Lafata that rolled out at the 2-yard line, Adrian’s Trey Brueggemann and Dantae Banton tackled the Calvin running back in the end zone for the team’s first safety since 2015. After another punt by Lafata that was fumbled by Calvin and recovered by Ethan Abberger, the Bulldogs were set up for another touchdown pass from Heide. He found Hunter Bonza for a 16-yard score.
The Bulldogs were led on defense by Dantae Banton, Mike White, and Chris Jackson who each finished the game with a pair of sacks. Adrian totaled seven sacks on the afternoon which is the most in a single game since 2015. Ethan Layton led the team with six tackles on the afternoon while White and Darel Washington each added three QB hurries. Quincy Dorsey recorded an interception…his second in as many games… to go along with two pass breakups.
Heide finished the day 13-of-17 passing with three touchdowns. Shondel Hardnett led the way on the ground with 83 yards rushing on 24 attempts. Jalen Wallace finished the day with five receptions for 84 yards with a touchdown. Adrian will will travel to Hope College on Saturday, October 26th for a 2 PM kick off. Listen to the game on 103.9fm WLEN with Ian Wendt on the call.
Haisenleder Runs Into Saints Record Book in Win at Lawrence Tech…
Running back Brendan Haisenleder rushed for a school-record 260 yards as the Siena Heights football team (2-5, 1-1 MSFA Mideast) earned a 34-14 victory at Lawrence Tech on Saturday.
Haisenleder (pictured) also had a Siena Heights-record 46 carries — two for touchdowns — as he broke his previous yardage record of 199. That mark was set during the Saints’ win over Defiance on Sept. 28.
Quarterback Elijah Taylor completed 16 of 24 passes for 185 yards and three TDs. His top target was wide-out Tendaji Alexander, who made eight grabs for 96 yards and a TD. H-Back Quest Williams and wide receiver Bailey Jackson also had touchdown receptions.
On defense, linebacker Zach Keyser made eight tackles. Defensive backs Mike Harrison III and Shamar Askin had interceptions. Harrison and defensive lineman Caden Rogers recorded sacks.
The Saints fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter before scoring the next 20 points to take a 20-7 lead into intermission. A 3-yard pass from Taylor to Williams served as the Saints’ first TD. Haisenleder added a 6-yard TD run and Alexander made an 8-yard touchdown reception before the half.
After the host Blue Devils (1-5, 0-3) pulled within 20-14, Siena Heights scored the final 14 points. Jackson had a 14-yard catch from Taylor and Haisenleder scored on a 5-yard run. The Saints will be back in action with another road game — their final matchup with MSFA Mideast opponent Concordia — on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. Listen to that broadcast on 96.5fm The Cave with Jeremy Otto on the call.
*media courtesy of Adrian College Athletics & Siena Heights University Athletics*