TIFFIN, Ohio – In its home opener, the football team of Heidelberg University scored points in all phases of the game en route to a 56-24 win over Marietta College.
Senior C.J. Powell (Detroit, MI/Bishop Foley) racked up 127 all-purpose yards, which included touchdowns on a 67-yard punt return and a 35-yard reception.
Sophomore Cartel Brooks (Kokomo, IN/Galion) rushed for two touchdowns on 27 carries for 130 yards, his eighth straight game over 100 yards.
‘Berg sophomore Ben Poirier (Canton, MI) was a disruptive force in the Marietta backfield, with four sacks and seven tackles for loss.
On the opening drive, Brooks scored from four yards out. Dan Kilger (Novi, MI) added the extra point to give The Berg a 7-0 lead.
The Pioneers would punt on their opening drive. Powell caught the ball on his 33 yard line, tore through the middle, broke outside and scored. Kilger’s kick made it 14-0.
On the first play of the second quarter, the Pioneers got on the board with a 12–yard touchdown pass from Tom Fulton to Kirby Harris.
The ensuing kickoff was returned by sophomore Robert Gray (Cinicnnati/North College Hill) 64 yards to the Marietta 25. Three Brooks runs later, Heidelberg lead 21-7.
Midway through the second, the Pioneers added a 20-yard field goal from Conor Durina.
Following an interception, the Pioneers knocked on the door of the end zone again. The Berg’s defense stood firm, as Chase Bauer (Amelia/McNicholas) blocked a 25-yard field goal attempt by Durina.
After the Marietta defense forced a three-and-out, the Pioneers cut the ‘Berg lead to 21-17 with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Linard Williams.
Heidelberg (4-0, 3-0 OAC) took possession at their 38 yard line with 1:20 left to go in the first half. Following an incompletion, sophomore quarterback Michael Mees (North Ridgeville) found sophomore Donteea Dye (Fairfield) for a 62-yard touchdown. Heidelberg would take a 28-17 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, Heidelberg broke the game open. Mees found sophomore Christian Dominguez (Miami, FL/Ferguson) for a 55-yard score.
On the next play from scrimmage, Fulton’s pass was intercepted by junior Chadd Williamson (Land ‘O Lakes, FL), who returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. Quickly, the score was 42-17.
After a 66-yard pass from Fulton to Tannon Roberts, Heidelberg pounded the ball on the ground. Freshman Bryan Lacey (South Euclid/Benedictine) found the end zone from 8 yards out.
With a 49-24 lead in the fourth quarter, Heidelberg would add one final touchdown, Mees to Powell.
Mees finished with 232 yards and three touchdowns on 13-of-26 passing and an interception. Dye finished with three catches, 97 yards and a touchdown.
For Marietta, Fulton threw for 351 yards on 24-of-48 passing, three touchdowns and four interceptions. The Pioneers only had 25 yards of net rushing on the day.
The Heidelberg defense was led by Poirier on the defensive line and linebackers Craig Sykes (Centerburg) and Dawson Gore (Bellevue). Poirier and Sykes each had eight tackles, Gore had seven.
Heidelberg will hit the road for Week 5, traveling to Capital University. Kickoff on October 6 is at 2:00 p.m.