TIFFIN -- The 31st game in the Rhine River Cup series was one that only a defensive coordinator could love. It was not a dream game for fans of explosive offenses or nice weather.  

The Heidelberg University football team scored three defensive touchdowns in an unrelenting windy drizzle en route to a 28-8 win over Otterbein at Hoernemann Stadium.  

The Student Princes improved to 4-2 overall, 3-2 in the OAC.  Otterbein remained winless, 0-6, 0-5.  

Late in a scoreless first quarter, a snap sailed over the head of Cardinal quarterback Lorenzo Horace and into the end zone.  Linebacker Easton St. Clair pounced on the loose ball for his third career touchdown.  Branden Steckel added the extra point.  

After conceding a safety and giving the ball back to Otterbein, the 'Berg defense continued to flourish.  Joseph Norris III stepped in front of a Beau Burtscher pass at the 38 and returned it for a touchdown -- the second of his career. 

As punts and rain continued to fall on Homecoming, HU took a 14-2 lead into halftime.  

In the third quarter, Key Cunningham intercepted a Burtscher pass at the 34 and sprinted down the sideline for his second touchdown of the year.  

Midway through the fourth, the offense put points on the board with an eight-play, 33-yard drive.  On 3rd-and-six from the Cardinal seven, Gavin Reineke found a sliding Matthew Drdul in the right corner of the end zone.  It was the first collegiate touchdown for both.  Steckel stayed perfect on the day, connecting on his fourth PAT.  

Otterbein's lone touchdown came on the game's final play.  Third-string QB Cayden Lassiter scrambled for a nine-yard touchdown.  

After the game, former OAC Commissioner Tim Gleason and the current OAC administration presented the Rhine River Cup to Heidelberg for the seventh straight season.  HU has taken 12 of the last 13 in the series that dates back to 1992.  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
HU held Otterbein to 198 total yards … In total, the Heidelberg defense forced four Otterbein turnovers in the win … Senior running back Montavius Yearby rushed for 100+ yards, with 126 yards on 26 carries for the 19th time in his career … Reineke was 12-for-22 passing for 67 yards … 10 'Berg defensive players had at least a half tackle for loss. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
The Student Princes recorded 21 points off of Cardinal turnovers as the defense secured two pick-sixes and one fumble recovery … Cunningham had two interceptions, the second two-pick game for a Student Prince this year (Norris vs. ONU).  

At halftime, Anamya Truex and Ellis Herner were named homecoming royalty. Truex is a member of the volleyball team while Herner belongs to the marching band and Rho Eta Delta.  

UP NEXT

Heidelberg Football takes a road trip down to Marietta (4-2, 3-2 OAC) next Saturday for a 3 p.m. homecoming kickoff at Don Drumm Stadium.