WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster blitzed Hiram College at the onset, and flat out dominated in every facet during Saturday's 51-14 win at John P. Papp Stadium. Wooster scored points on its first six drives, came up with three takeaways, and Hiram did not run a single play in Wooster territory until the 8:05 mark of the fourth quarter.
Wooster (5-3, 4-3 North Coast Athletic Conference) started eight of its 16 drives on Hiram's (1-7, 0-7 NCAC) side of the field, including the first one. Hiram quarterback Victor Campos attempted a backwards pass that was over the head of running back Gabriel Hoskins, and Hoskins did not realize the ball was still live. Sophomore Alex White realized it and recovered the ball at Hiram's 8-yard line. Two plays later, junior Andrew Yanssens cashed in the turnover for six points with a 2-yard run.
After a quick three-and-out by the defense, Wooster was on the move again before ultimately settling for an 18-yard field goal from junior Lake Barrett. The Scots' "golden boot" was on point all afternoon, making all three field goal tries – including a pair of 35-yarders – plus all six extra-point kicks.
Hiram did not fare any better on its third possession, with first-year Gio Rodriguez forcing a fumble on running back Malcolm Rodgers. Senior Kellen Calhoun recovered the ball at Hiram's 27-yard line, and two plays later, senior Cole Hissong was in the end zone with a 24-yard touchdown reception.
Hiram, which had zero first downs in the first quarter, saw its quarterback get spilled for a 3-yard sack by senior Harvey Briscoe, which set up a fourth-and-15 snap. Junior Matt Ulishney kept the hits coming with a 34-yard punt return, and an 11-yard Hiram personal foul penalty gave Wooster the ball at Hiram's 11-yard line. Yanssens scooted in from three yards out, and Barrett's extra point capped Wooster's 24-point first-quarter outburst.
Wooster was not done just yet with the first-quarter highlights, as senior Beau Greenwood logged Wooster's second interception of the season in the final two minutes. Hissong eventually capped the ensuing drive off with a 34-yard touchdown reception at the 13:44 mark of the second quarter.
Sophomore Carter Warstler's 31-yard punt return set up Wooster at Hiram's 32-yard line on the next drive, and senior Troy Baughman found space in the back corner of the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown grab. Yanssens' third rushing touchdown of the half gave Wooster a 45-0 lead, and that score was set up in part by junior Langston Williams, who blocked a punt, then came up with the recovery on Hiram's side of the field.
Renteria completed 11-of-18 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns, all before halftime. Renteria's second touchdown of the day marked his 50th, and he's the fourth Scots' signal-caller to hit that milestone. Hissong led Wooster's receivers with 65 yards and two touchdowns, and his second moved him into a tie with Cameron Daniels for the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end at 13. Yanssens went for a career-high 107 yards and three scores on the ground.
Defensively, 23 Scots logged at least one tackle on the day, and nobody had more than senior Dylan Carr's four. Briscoe had both of the Scots' sacks, and Williams had three breakups to go with his three tackles and blocked punt.
Jacob Simmons relieved Campos and went 13-for-27 for 142 yards and a touchdown. Trystan Mollohan had the Terriers' touchdown reception and he finished with four catches and 46 yards. Hiram rushed for just 83 yards. Rogers led six ball carriers with 29.
Dylan Baliker took high honors for the game in tackles with eight.
Wooster tallied 362 yards of total offense to Hiram's 238. The Terriers were just 1-of-14 on third down, while Wooster converted 6-of-15 chances.
Of note, Wooster's guaranteed at least a .500 finish for the fourth straight year with the win.
Next, Allegheny College (2-6, 1-6 NCAC) comes to John P. Papp Stadium for a 1 p.m. game on Saturday, November 6. Prior to kickoff, the Scots will recognize their 13 seniors.