VALPARAISO, Ind. – The Adrian College football team kicked off the 2025 season on Saturday night with a thrilling 10-7 upset victory over NCAA Division I opponent Valparaiso University. This marked the first meeting between the two programs since 1926, when the game ended in a 13-13 tie in Adrian.
From the opening whistle, the Bulldogs came ready to compete. After forcing Valparaiso to punt on their opening drive, Adrian's offense fumbled on its first possession—but the defense responded immediately. Quincy Dorsey intercepted a pass in the end zone to keep the Beacons off the scoreboard.
The second quarter saw both defenses dig in, trading punts before Adrian made a key fourth-down stop with 7:03 remaining in the half. The Bulldogs capitalized with a methodical drive, capped off by a Jack Boike field goal to take a 3-0 lead into halftime.
Adrian opened the second half with a clock-chewing nine-minute drive, which stalled on a fourth-and-one at the Valparaiso 9-yard line. The Bulldogs' defense once again delivered, with Koronnis Davis hauling in a deep interception to set up Adrian with great field position late in the third quarter. Although the offense couldn't capitalize immediately, the defense forced another turnover when Ethan Layton stripped the ball loose for a fumble recovery.
Early in the fourth quarter, Dorsey forced his second turnover of the night with a crucial fumble recovery. However, Adrian's ensuing field goal attempt was no good, leaving the door open for the Beacons. Valparaiso responded with a 9-play drive that culminated in a touchdown, giving them a 7-3 lead with just 1:25 left in the game.
The Bulldogs stayed poised on their final possession. Quarterback Noah Beaudrie led the game-winning drive with a 30-yard pass to Ethan Abberger and a 20-yard strike to Braiden Whitaker. On the next play, Beaudrie connected with Abberger again—this time for a 26-yard touchdown with under a minute to go—sealing the dramatic 10-7 win.
Beaudrie finished the night 16-of-23 for 183 yards and one touchdown. Trey Brueggemann carried the ball 22 times for 79 yards. Abberger led all receivers with six catches for 79 yards and the game-winning score, while Whitaker added six receptions for 68 yards. On defense, Dorsey was a standout with two forced turnovers, and Maddox Woods led the team with nine tackles.
Adrian will return home next weekend to host Thiel College. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 13.
