Lebanon, IL - McKendree University Football (0-2, 0-0) erased a two-touchdown halftime deficit and briefly took the lead late, but a last-minute Hillsdale touchdown and a last-second Hillsdale interception proved the difference as the Bearcats dropped a 22-17 decision on Saturday afternoon at Leemon Field.
The Chargers struck twice in the second quarter to grab a 14-0 advantage heading into the break. McKendree's defense held strong early, including a missed Hillsdale field goal in the first quarter, but two scoring drives in the final three minutes of the half put the visitors in front.
McKendree wasted little time answering in the third quarter. Quarterback Ty Michael capped an eight-play 75-yard drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Ford to trim the margin. On the Bearcats' next possession, Michael connected deep with Daryle Jones Jr. for a 76-yard strike that electrified the home sideline and tied the game at 14-14.
The momentum carried into the fourth, as McKendree pieced together another sustained drive. Chase Reeves' field goal from short range gave the Bearcats a 17-14 lead with just over five minutes remaining, the team's first advantage of the day.
Hillsdale, however, answered late. With just over a minute to play, the Chargers connected on a 50-yard touchdown through the air. The ensuing extra point was blocked, keeping the margin at five. Thus, a touchdown would equal a walkoff winner. The Bearcats had 1:09 to do it.
McKendree advanced deep into Hillsdale territory in that final minute, leaning on quick strikes from Ty Michael to move the chains. The Bearcats pushed the ball inside the Chargers' 20-yard line, keeping the home crowd on edge as the clock wound down. Alas, the Hillsdale defense leapt in front of what would've been the game-winning touchdown for a game-sealing interception with seven seconds left, then taking a knee and running the clock out.
The Bearcats will have a bye week for Week 2 before returning to action for Week 3 of the 2025 season, when they'll have a nationally-ranked test on their hands in the #17-ranked UIndy Greyhounds. Kickoff is from Key Stadium in Indianapolis at 5:00 PM central time on Saturday, September 20th.
Bearcat Offensive Notables
#7, Ty Michael (QB) | 18-40 passing, 272 yards, 2 touchdowns
#9, Quincy Hall Jr. (WR) | 4 receptions, 47 yards, 11.8 yards per reception
Bearcat Defensive Notables
#10, Logan Turbyfill (LB) | 11 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 interception
#21, Mylan Nettles (DB) | 6 total tackles
Bearcat Special Teams Notables
#4, Chase Reeves (K/P) | 1 field goal, 2-2 PATs, 7 punts, 32.8 yards per punt
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
2025 GLVC Football Opener
@ #17 UIndy Greyhounds (1-1, 0-0)
Saturday, September 20th - 5:00 PM CST
at Key Stadium - Indianapolis, IN
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Listen Live (88.7 FM)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
