Hillsdale last won at Wayne State in 2003. The two teams are now tied for first place in the GLIAC South Division. Hillsdale (5-2) had been ranked sixth in the country.
Hillsdale came into the game averaging 438 yards in total offense but had 297 against Wayne State, including only 109 on the ground.
The big play game breaker for Wayne State was a 100 yard interception return (ties NCAA record) by Jeremy Jones. On the last play of the third quarter, he intercepted a pass and ran 100 yards for a touchdown to make the score,
14-3. Jones caught it four yards deep in the end zone but NCAA statistics dictate only a 100-yard credit.
On defense, it was a total team effort as WSU linebacker Raleigh Ross led the team with 10 tackles, while safeties Kenny Loney and Jones each had nine tackles. “It feels awesome,” Wayne State head coach Paul Winters said.
“We played great defense, and when we play great defense, we have a chance to win.” Winters had great praise for defensive line coach Scott Kazmierski and safeties coach Jeff Reardon. “We had a real turnaround,” added Winters.
The Warriors led the entire game and scored first when Austin Hughes caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mickey Mohner after six minutes. Wayne State back, Josh Renel rushed for 143 yards on 22 carries.
Hillsdale got a fourth quarter touchdown when quarterback Troy Weatherhead hit Matt Terhune with a 5-yard pass.
Grand Valley State (7-0) also in the GLIAC still sits at number one in the country. They romped at Ferris State, 41-0. GVSU’s offense put up 503 yards and scored five touchdowns, while its defense forced five punts and limited Ferris State to a season-low 118 yards. The win was GVSU’s 10th straight against Ferris State and the first time the Lakers had shutout the Bulldogs since 1989.
Wayne State travels next to Saginaw Valley on Oct. 30, for a noon kickoff. The Chargers look to bounce back next Saturday at Northwood. GVSU is on the road with Michigan Tech in Houghton, MI and Ferris State travels to Indianapolis for a night game.
(Editors Note: Raymond Rolak played baseball at Wayne State University)
100-yard interception returns for Wayne State University
2010 – Jeremy Jones vs Hillsdale
1981 – John Kersey vs SUNY-Buffalo
1959 – Angelo Nicholas vs Allegheny
1959 – Don Fears vs Thiel
RECENT FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICA’S at WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
2006 – Joique Bell, David Chudzinski, Derrion Fuqua
2007 – Joique Bell
2009 – Joique Bell
(Jeff Weiss, Wayne State-SID contributed)