DePauw opens NCAC play with big win over Hiram

Monday, September 17, 2018

DePauw’s defense held Hiram to just 196 yards on Saturday and the offense was as balanced as possible with 211 yards each on the ground and through the air as the Tigers picked up a 45-7 North Coast Athletic Conference victory over the Terriers.

The Tigers moved to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in the NCAC, while Hiram dropped to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

The Tigers’ defense limited the Terriers to just one first down in the opening quarter and, on Hiram’s second possession, DePauw’s Brooks Hepp picked off Randy Tucker, setting up Jake Tanner’s career-long 42-yard field goal.

Following a three-and-out on the next series and a 21-yard punt return from Logan Greene, DePauw started on the Hiram 31. Eight plays later, Tanner Cleveland scored on a 2-yard run and DePauw held a 10-0 lead with 4:57 left in the first.

DePauw made it 17-0 in the third as Cam Haynes tossed a 16-yard scoring pass to Michael Grace which capped a 10-play, 85-yard drive. Haynes completed five of six passes during the series for 71 yards and rushed for another 16. A key play came on third and eight as Haynes connected with Will Harris for a 48-yard gain.

Hiram crossed midfield for just the second time on its next series, but the drive stalled at the DePauw 47 and the Terriers turned the ball over to the Tigers on downs near the end of the half.

Haynes connected with Andy Hunt for touchdowns of 18 and 25 yards, respectively, on the Tigers’ first two possessions of the second half to make it 31-0.

Hiram’s lone points came on Tucker’s 12-yard pass to DJ Franklin on fourth down with 1:59 remaining in the third. The Terriers converted one third down and another fourth down during the possession and Tucker’s 47-yard pass to Jaris Foreman was a crucial part of the series.

DePauw wrapped up the scoring in the fourth as Anthony Sansone scooped up a fumble forced by Jack McCarthy and ran it in from 13 yards to push the lead to 38-7. On Hiram’s next possession, Jalen Friendly’s interception set up Jarrod Stiver’s 47-yard touchdown run on the first play after the turnover.

The Tigers outgained the Terriers, 422-196, and held a 211-63 edge on the ground. Stiver rushed for a team-high 61 yards, while Cleveland finished with 46. Haynes completed 11 of 13 for 168 yards with three scores, while Chase Andries was five of 10 for 43 yards. Harris hauled in five passes for 89 yards and Hunt had four for 78.

Terrell Crawford rushed for 33 yards for Hiram and Juwan Brown added 32, while Tucker was 14 of 25 for 133 yards. Foreman and Franklin each finished with three receptions with Foreman totaling 62 yards and Franklin 30.

Matt Crupi and Zach Williams each had six tackles for the Tigers with Crupi and Joe Zanca totaling one sack each as the Tigers had three for 27 yards of losses. Overall, the unit recorded nine tackles for losses.

Jorge Valderrama paced Hiram with 12 tackles and Chris Chester added 10.