ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University football was outmatched by nationally ranked Calvin University, falling by the score of 51-20. The Knights are currently ranked 22nd by the AFCA Poll and receiving votes in the D3football.com ranking.
The Thunder defense started the game on the attack, forcing a quick three-and-out after the Knights received the opening kickoff. It was a short-lived success, with a Calvin defender intercepting RJ West II and returning it to the endzone for the 7-0 lead.
West and the offense settled in for the second drive and worked their way down the field. Most of those yards came when West connected with Raymond Scott-Harbolt for 42 yards. That pass put them just inside the red zone and, two plays later, West scampered into the endzone to bring the team within one at 7-6.
After trading punts, the Knights offensive found their groove, scoring on their next drive. A blocked punt gave them a very short field and set up a third touchdown and a 21-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. They scored three more touchdowns in the second quarter, building a commanding 42-6 lead for halftime.
Another interception ended Trine's first drive of the third and Calvin added another touchdown but missed the extra point for a 48-6 lead.
West led the next drive to the endzone. He passed on nine of the 11 plays on the drive, completing seven including the final 34-yard touchdown pass to Zack Pillow. After the extra point the score stood at 48-13.
After trading punts, Calvin drove to the Trine seven-yard line as the quarter ended. The defense held them from the endzone and forced a field goal that ended up being the final points of the game for the Knights, with the score sitting at 51-13.
The Thunder scored once more in the game, this time on a drive led by Saleem Felder. The senior running back rattled off three strong rushes to cap the 39-yard drive that was set up by an interception from Tristan Wilson.
The 51-20 score eventually went final after drives by both teams that ended in punts. It is the first time this season that the Thunder offense did not score at least 30 points.
West finished the game going 21-for-41 with two interceptions, one touchdown and 251 yards through the air. He added a touchdown on the ground, but after sack yards he ended with negative yards rushing. He was sacked five times in the game losing 53 yards.
Felder ended the game with 34 yards, which was actual the most by any player in the game. Scott-Harbolt led the team with 86 yards receiving. Brayden Lemire had 63 yards on six catches and Pillow finished with 43 yards.
Defensively Wilson and Ridge Howard finished the game with seven tackles each to lead the team. Bo Skidmore led the team with a pair of sacks while also finishing second with six tackles. Wesyn Ludwig also had six tackles.
The Thunder fall to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play. They will finish the home portion of their season on Saturday, November 7 when they host The University of Olivet. The Senior Day contest is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
