GLIAC Football: Oilers face Hillsdale in pivotal clash
By BRIAN LESTER
STAFF WRITER
Andrew Leddy can sense that excitement is starting to build around the University of Findlay football team.
He can feel it as the Oilers prepare for a crucial Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against No.24-ranked Hillsdale Saturday at Donnell Stadium.
The junior linebacker and former Findlay High star wants to make sure the feeling doesn't fade away.
"It feels awesome to be part of a team that is getting the Findlay Oilers back on track, not only for the school but also the city," Leddy said. "It's been hard for people to jump on our bandwagon, but we are getting people excited about college football here again."
The Oilers (4-1, 3-1 GLIAC) have used the first five games as stepping stones back to respectability.
A year ago, UF was in the grip of a losing streak that would reach nine games by season's end.
But as Saturday's 4 p.m. Homecoming clash with the Chargers (4-1, 3-1) approaches, the importance of this game is not lost on the players or third-year head coach Jon Wauford.
"It's an awfully big game," Wauford said. "You play games like this in the middle of the season to play the biggest games at the end. We know the winner controls its own destiny."
Hillsdale is riding the emotional high of a 38-19 road win over then 15th-ranked Ashland last Saturday.
Senior running back Vinnie Panizzi rushed for a career-high 231 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the first HC player in five years to hit 200 yards rushing. Junior quarterback Troy Weatherhead was 12-of-21 passing for 152 yards.
"It is very difficult to win on the road in this conference, but our guys were up to the challenge," HC head coach Keith Otterbein said. "We did a great job of getting pressure on their quarterback and our offensive line allowed us to run and pass the ball effectively."
Otterbein also noted that he isn't surprised by the Oilers' early success.
"It is really a carry-over from last season because they were a lot better than their (2-9) record indicated," Otterbein said. "They are playing with a lot of energy and confidence. We have to find a way to build ourselves up again to handle the challenge of another road game."
The Chargers have scored 37 points or more five times and have given up 19 in their last two games. They average 434.4 yards per game and give up a league-best 254.8 yards per outing.
HC has scored a league-high 18 TDs in the red zone. Its defense has registered 15 sacks.
"The are a solid football team and a team that isn't going to beat itself," Wauford said. "We are going to have to play sound defensively and control the clock with long drives."
UF averages 403.4 yards per game and is giving up 275.8. The Oilers have forced 20 turnovers and are a plus 13 in turnover margin (third in NCAA Division II).
Leddy has played a role in that success, making 15 tackles and recovering one fumble. The two-time all-Greater Buckeye Conference selection at FHS has 60 tackles in his career.
"It's all about learning the ins and outs of the schemes, and having experience has helped me," Leddy said. "I'm playing with a lot more confidence, too. I know I can contribute every time I step on the field."
Five of the last six meetings between UF and HC have been decided by 8 points or less. UF lost 20-13 a year ago and hasn't beaten the Chargers since a 17-14 win in 2005.
"There are a lot of similarities between us," Wauford said. "We know we can't have turnovers or stupid penalties, and we have to make every possession count."
Hillsdale College
Head Coach: Keith Otterbein (42-40, 8th season)
Record: 4-1, 3-1 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Series: Chargers lead 14-6.
Last Game: Chargers stunned 15th-ranked Ashland 38-19. ... Chargers sacked AU quarterback Billy Cundiff seven times and allowed 307 yards. ... HC rolled up 435 yards and QB Troy Weatherhead was 12-of-21 passing for 152 yards.
Key Players: Weatherhead (110-of-164, 1,255 yards, 5 TDs, 4 interceptions); Panizzi (118 carries, 677 yards, 10 TDs); WR A.J. Kegg (34 catches, 355 yards, TD); WR Andre Holmes (33 catches, 474 yards, 2 TDs); WR Mike Blanchard (19 catches, 237 yards, TD); LB Mat Szula (47 tackles); LB David Bakker (24 tackles, 2 sacks interception); DB Nick Hixson (23 tackles); DB Nick Galvin (23 tackles, interception); LB Joe Stempien (20 tackles, interception).
Noteworthy: Chargers are nationally ranked for first time since 2007 and one of four GLIAC teams in Top 25. .. .Weatherhead and Panizzi have both earned league player of the week honors this season. ... After nine losing seasons in last 10 years, HC is 19-8 in last 27 games. ... HC is 29-of-31 in the red zone this season.
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