Chargers take down Tech with Horsepower
Offense clicking on all cylinders with Weatherhead at the wheel; team seeks next victim
Nathan McClallen
Issue date: 9/10/09 Section: Sports
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Their next challenge is traveling to Northwood University to face a team that utilizes the option offense. The "option" is a system based on versatile running plays that require split-second decision-making. For senior linebacker and co-captain Mat Szula, this means an intense week of practice.
"We don't play any other option teams," he said. "We have to play a different defense than what we usually do, which means different preparation. We just really have to be locked in all week."
One season removed from graduating Tom Korte, one of the top defensive players in school history, the Charger defense will need to prove it can still step up when it counts.
On the other side of the ball, junior quarterback Troy Weatherhead, who was honored as the GLIAC offensive player of the week for his performance against St. Joe's, has the task of preparing for this week's offensive game plan. He exhibited a strong trust in his offense, citing the group's game experience and talented skill players.
"I feel just as confident as any quarterback in the country at this point," he said.
Head coach Keith Otterbein reached his 100th win with Saturday's victory over Michigan Tech. He was quick to credit the entire football program for the achievement.
"Anyone that knows how we run our program knows that it isn't a one-man show," he said. "In those 100 wins, I haven't made a tackle, I haven't made a run, and I haven't made a pass. The players do it."
The win avenges a last second loss last year at the hands of the Huskies. Of the four games the Chargers lost last season, three of them were by seven points or less.
Saturday both teams started off quickly, with each of them scoring a touchdown on their first possession. Hillsdale pulled out to a 20-14 lead at the half.
By the fourth quarter, it was clear the contest would go down to the wire. Down two with 4:55 left in the game, Michigan Tech had the ball and an opportunity to take the lead. The Charger defense responded with a key sack by redshirt sophomore David Bakker on third down to force a punt.
Staring at a first and 20 deep in their own territory, the Chargers needed to make a big play. Offensive coordinator Barry Fagan saw a weakness in the defense from up in the booth and called the perfect play, resulting in a 53-yard reception by redshirt junior Andre Holmes.
From there it only took a few plays to cap off the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run by senior running back Vinnie Panizzi, his fourth of the season.
However, the Huskies were not done. They scored with under a minute left on the clock, leaving their hopes resting on an onside kick. Senior AJ Kegg collected the onside attempt and held on, giving Hillsdale the ability to run out the clock.
After the game, the talk in the locker room was all about the crowd turnout.
"We thought it was awesome," Weatherhead said. "The student section was absolutely fantastic. They stayed the whole game, they were loud, and that gives us an advantage out there."
The offense put up some gaudy numbers. Weatherhead finished the day with three touchdown passes, 324 yards through the air and a 75 percent completion percentage. Kegg finished the day with 88 yards receiving on nine catches. And Holmes set a career high with seven catches for 153 yards. The Chargers look to keep the ball rolling Saturday at Northwood.
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