Football team shutout by Albion, 20-0, in MIAA-opener

The Olivet College football team was shut out by Albion College, 20-0, today in its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener at Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium and Morley Fraser Field in Albion.

After both teams were forced to punt on their opening drive, the Britons put together a 13-play, 57-yard scoring drive to take a 7-0 lead. Following an Olivet interception, the Britons used a short field to take 10-0 lead on a 33-yard field goal. Albion added a 31-yard field goal, as the first half ended to take a 13-0 lead into the locker rooms. The only scoring in the second half was a 34-yard interception return.

Offensively, the Comets generated only 145 yards and four first downs to 347 yards and 21 first downs for the Britons. Sophomore Mike Martin (Caledonia/Wayland Union) topped the Olivet ground game with nine rushes for 23 yards. Sophomore Nick McCleary (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) was 7-of-14 for 102 yards. Junior Ben Sherman (Charlotte) caught three passes for 22 yards, while freshman J.W. Seekman (Martin) had two receptions for 62 yards.

Defensively, senior Hakeem Yakubu (Kalamazoo/Central) had a game-high 15 tackles, including 10 solo stops and 2.5 for loss yardage. Freshman Glenn VanNortwick (Wayland/Wayland Union) recorded nine tackles. On special teams, senior Ryan Patten (Charlotte) punted the ball six times for 265 yards, a 44.2 average. His longest punt traveled 59 yards.

Olivet (0-5, 0-1 MIAA) looks to bounce back from the loss next Saturday, Oct. 10, when it celebrates Homecoming by hosting Kalamazoo College. Kickoff at the Cutler Athletic Complex is 2 p.m.