ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College football team moves to 2-0 on the season after a 38-20 victory over Madonna University on Saturday night. The Bulldogs played their first home night game in three seasons and marketed the game as a "Blackout". Supporting athletic programs of Adrian College were invited onto the field for the football team's tunnel entrance during pregame which went for roughly 60 yards.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead to start the game after forcing a quick 3-and-out for Madonna. After the Bulldogs gained possession of the ball,
Jake Kelbert rushed in the first touchdown of the game on a 25-yard run. Madonna responded on their next drive but was met by a blocked extra point to keep the Crusaders at six. Adrian quickly answered by a rushing touchdown from
Trey Brueggemann to claim a 14-6 lead. The Bulldogs went on to add another touchdown in the second quarter on a 3-yard run from
Shondel Hardnett to lead 21-6 at half.
In the third quarter,
Jack Boike started the scoring with a 34-yard field goal which was later followed by an interception returned for a touchdown by
Ryan Morgan to take a 31-6 lead into the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth,
Caid Fox caught a 12-yard pass in the back corner of the end zone to extend the lead. Later in the quarter, Madonna went on to score two touchdowns, but ran out of time to complete the coming allowing the Bulldogs to claim the victory under the lights.
The Bulldogs threw for 196 yards led by Kelbert who finished the game 19-of-28 with 184 yards passing. Hardnett led Adrian with 98 yards rushing as the team rushed for 196. Fox led the Bulldogs with seven receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. On defense,
Mike White led Adrian with seven total tackles to go with a forced fumble and a QB hurry. Brueggemann collected four solo tackles for Adrian with three tackles for loss, a sack, and three QB hurries.
Adrian will hit the road for the first time this season on Saturday, September 21 when they travel to Franklin College. Franklin currently sits 0-2 on the season with a 45-7 loss to Ohio Northern and a 48-6 loss to Hope College, but the Bulldogs will have work to do as the game serves as Franklin's home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM.
