WILMINGTON, Ohio -- An explosive offense paired with excellent defense propelled the Heidelberg University football team to a commanding 59-3 win over Wilmington College Saturday afternoon. Bryan Lacey and Cameron Vocke each found the end zone twice for the Student Princes en route to the victory.

The Berg improves to 4-4 overall, 4-3 in OAC play. Wilmington slips to 0-8, 0-7 in conference action.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After turning the ball over on downs on their first drive, Heidelberg responded in their next drive with a 42-yard touchdown drive. Tyler Stoyle connected with Vocke for a 10-yard touchdown completion.

The HU defense forced the Quakers to turn the ball over on downs near midfield. On the first play from scrimmage, freshman Branden Short plowed through the Wilmington defense for a 52-yard touchdown run. The score gave the Student Princes a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Wilmington's lone score came in the second quarter. Grant Brown's 37-yard field goal attempt sailed through the uprights bringing the score to 14-3.

The story would be all Heidelberg for the rest of the game. Wilmington forced Heidelberg to punt, but the Quakers fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Berg at the Wilmington 21 yard line. The Berg capitalized on the turnover when three plays later Stoyle found Vocke again -- this time a 13-yarder.

On their next possession, the Student Princes added to their lead. Lacey broke through the Wilmington defense for a 54-yard touchdown run, making the score 28-3.

HU scored once more before the half on a 20-yard field goal from AJ Morrison.

It took just 33 seconds into the second half before the potent Heidelberg offense scored again. Lacey found the end zone for the second time in the game from ten yards out.

Just before the quarter ended, Stoyle found Demetrius Magee for a 1-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown was set up by a 24-yard completion to tight end Geoff Helms. Heidelberg led 45-3 heading into the final quarter.

On their first drive of the fourth quarter, Heidelberg added seven more to the score. Freshman Dallas O'Green found the end zone on a 12-yard run -- the first touchdown of his career.

Sidney Hearvey scored his first collegiate touchdown on the ensuing HU possession. Hearvey had a 15-yard run to the Wilmington 1 yard line -- and scored on the next play. The touchdown and PAT capped off the Heidelberg scoring.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

For the 12th time in his career, Lacey rushed for over 100 yards. It was his 10th multi-touchdown game

Keivon Belcher had a career-high five receptions for 41 yards.

In total, Heidelberg had three freshmen running backs carry the ball into the end zone -- Short, O'Green and Hearvey.

With 408 yards on the ground, Heidelberg surpassed the 400 yard mark for the first time since a 505-rushing-yard outburst in 2013 vs. Marietta.

QUOTES

Head coach Scott Donaldson on the win: "We came out of the gate firing and never stopped ... It was a complete game from everyone involved ... I'm so proud of the way we played and fought."

UP NEXT

Heidelberg hosts Baldwin Wallace next Saturday for Senior Day. Kickoff at Hoernemann Stadium is slated for 1:30 p.m.