Football team loses to Hope, 24-14

HOLLAND, Mich. – The Olivet College football team out-gained Hope College in total offensive yards, 375-338, but the Flying Dutchmen won the turnover battle and beat the Comets, 24-14, this afternoon at Holland Municipal Stadium in Holland.

Early in the game, the Comets were winning the turnover battle, as Hope drove deep into Olivet territory on its first drives. The Comets stopped the drives on an interception in the end zone by freshman Nate Roberts (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Central) and a fumble recovery by freshman Noah Keefer (Fayette, Ohio/Archbold).

Hope finally got on the scoreboard with a 10-play, 67-yard drive in the second quarter on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Michael Atwell to Taylor Brynaert. Two interceptions ended Olivet's drives in the second quarter, including one on a first and goal play at the Hope 5-yard line.

The Flying Dutchmen scored on each of their three possessions in the third quarter, adding 17 points to surge ahead 24-0. The Comets put their first six points on the scoreboard with 4:07 left in the game when freshman quarterback Brendon Smith (Eaton Rapids/Leslie) ran into the end zone from 10 yards out.

After stopping Hope, Olivet got the ball back with 2:49 remaining. On the fifth play of their drive, Smith threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to freshman Rayshad Anderson (Jackson). Smith ran the ball in for the two-point conversion to make the score 24-14.

The Comets successfully recovered the on-side kick attempt. They drove all the way down to the Hope 3-yard line before the game clock expired.

The 375 yards of total offense for Olivet was a 2012 single-game high. Freshman Javier Lara (East Lansing) carried the ball 12 times for 119 yards. Smith accounted for 186 yards, as he had 16 rushes for 79 yards and was 11-of-18 for 107 yards. Freshman Kyle Bryson (Rives Junction/Leslie) caught four passes for 44 yards. Keefer topped the defense with 14 total tackles, including eight solo stops. Roberts was next with 12 tackles.

Hope was held to 77 net rushing yards, but Atwell threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-30 passing. Shawn Jackson led the ground game with 15 carries for 62 yards. Brynaert had six receptions for 95 yards. Tim Klaus finished with a game-high 19 tackles.

Olivet will have its bye week next Saturday and then host Adrian College Oct. 20. Kickoff at the Cutler Athletic Complex is 1 p.m.