TIFFIN -- The Heidelberg University Football team dropped a conference contest on a crisp fall afternoon at Hoernemann Stadium. No. 2 Mount Union controlled the entire contest, emerging with a 41-3 win.
Heidelberg dropped to 3-2 overall, 2-2 in the OAC. Mount Union improved to 5-0, 4-0 OAC.
The Purple Raiders held a 20-0 lead after the first quarter, scoring first on a 14-yard rush by quarterback Braxton Plunk. Working with a short field after an interception, Deandre Parker scored on a 14-yard catch and run. Tyler Echeverry closed the frame with a one-yard plunge.
Heidelberg's defense forced a turnover in the second -- with
Isaiah Kammer strip-sacking Plunk.
Easton St. Clair pounced on the loose ball, giving HU possession at the Mount Union nine. The ensuing possession was one of the strangest in recent memory. There were 13 snaps, some negated by penalty, others providing an automatic first down. Other plays were downright disastrous for HU, leaving the Student Princes with a 53-yard field goal attempt by
Branden Steckel. His kick was short, but a five-yard penalty on Mount gave him another crack. He connected from 48 yards, cutting the deficit to 20-3, where it remained at halftime.
The Purple Raiders scored 21 points in the second half.
Quarterbacks
Gavin Reineke and
Brady Berezowsky split snaps for Heidelberg. Berezowsky completed four passes for 92 yards, including two long completions to
Oliver Kelleher for 68 yards.
The defense forced two turnovers, with a
Key Cunningham interception joining Kammer's forced fumble.
Heidelberg returns to action next Saturday for Homecoming. HU hosts Otterbein, looking to retain the Rhine River Cup. Kickoff with the Cardinals is slated for 5 p.m.
