ADA, Ohio -- Bolstered by four turnovers, the Heidelberg University Football team won its conference opener -- upending host Ohio Northern University in Bendo Bowl XIII, 35-14.  

Cornerback Joseph Norris III picked off two passes for the second time in his career and added four tackles, two pass deflections, and 51 total return yards.  

Heidelberg moved to 2-0 overall, 1-0 in the OAC.  Ohio Northern slipped to 1-2, 1-1.  

HOW IT HAPPENED

Heidelberg took eight plays to go 73 yards on their second possession of the first quarter -- a drive capped by a leaping touchdown grab by Dylan Drake. The possession was highlighted by a sensational 41-yard catch by TJ Rhamy on a deep ball that was deflected up in the air.  Branden Steckel's extra point after the two-yard touchdown gave HU a 7-0 lead with 7:09.  

Down 7-0 in the second quarter, the Polar Bears tied the game with a nine-play touchdown drive.  

The Student Princes answered in quick fashion. Sims found a wide-open Logan McCluer for a 52-yard touchdown. On the day, the senior quarterback was 16-for-34 for 220 yards and two touchdowns.    

On the second play of the ensuing ONU possession, Isaiah Kammer punched the ball away from the ball carrier -- right into the hands of Key Cunningham. Cunningham broke left toward the 'Berg sideline and used a convoy of blockers to find the end zone. Steckel added the PAT to give HU a 21-7 lead.  

Norris' second interception of the game set Heidelberg up for a third quarter touchdown. Rhamy rumbled for 20 yards then made two players miss on a one-yard touchdown rush.  Steckel added the extra point as Heidelberg opened up a 28-7 lead.

ONU picked up its only turnover of the day, a phenomenal diving grab by Dalton Tjong on a deflected pass. The Polar Bears turned the pick into seven points eight plays later.  

As they did earlier, Heidelberg answered right away. Converting on three third-down plays along the way, HU extended its lead with Montavious Yearby waltzed into the end zone on fourth-and-goal from the one. Yearby had 97 all-purpose yards on the day.  

With ONU desperately seeking points to claw back into the game, All-American safety Griffin Pendry emphatically ended the next Polar Bear drive with a sack on fourth-and-four from the 'Berg 35.   

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

Heidelberg improved to 11-2 in the Bendo Bowl series … Cunningham's scoop-and-score was HU's first since Verondtae Wilkinson did so at Muskingum in a 36-13 win in 20-17 … Norris's two-pick day was his second of his career … Elijah Hodge Jr., who blocked a punt in the win over Hiram, recovered a fumble forced by Owen Gibbs on a punt return … Steckel's string of 13 consecutive field goals made was snapped when his third quarter attempt was blocked.

UP NEXT

Heidelberg welcomes No. 17 John Carroll to Tiffin for the home opener in Hoernemann Stadium.  Kickoff with the Blue Streaks is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.  The 2023 Heidelberg Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place that evening.