The Malone University football team suffered a 38-0 defeat in its Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) contest against the University of Findlay on Saturday afternoon at Fawcett Stadium.

The Oilers (5-5 overall, 4-5 GLIAC) built a 21-0 halftime lead and then put the game away with a field goal and two more touchdowns over the final two quarters.  Findlay's defense played a huge role in the victory, returning an interception and a fumble recovery for touchdowns while forcing a total of five turnovers on the night.

Malone (1-9 overall, 1-8 GLIAC) registered 17 first downs and 252 yards but was unable to put points on the scoreboard.  The Pioneers made three trips into the red zone but were stopped by a blocked field goal, an interception in the end zone, and an incomplete pass on fourth down.

MU quarterback Brandyn Eckhart accounted for 184 yards of offense, throwing for 126 yards and rushing for 58.  Running back Kyle Nutter posted 48 rushing yards on 11 carries.  Six different Pioneers made catches in the game, led by wide receiver Josh McLaughlin with two grabs, totaling 36 yards.

Defensively, linebacker Ryan Weber and safety Demarco Donaldson each posted a team-high eight tackles.  Donaldson also forced a fumble in the fourth quarter, giving him six forced fumbles on the season and moving him into a tie with Malone Athletics Hall of Famer Jason Wallick for the Pioneer single-season record. 

Linebacker Fred Baker Jr. added seven stops.  Cornerback Lloyd Phillips, who notched six tackles,  tallied a fumble recovery and two pass break-ups.

For Findlay, quarterback Verlon Reed completed nine of 17 passes for 136 yards and a score.  Reed also rushed for 62 yards on nine carries.  Wide receiver Lloyd Henry hauled in three catches for 62 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown pass.  Running back Chauncey Bridges recorded 83 rushing yards and a TD on 18 attempts.

Linebacker Zach Matracia anchored the Findlay defense, posting 12 tackles, a sack, and two interceptions – one of which he returned 74 yards for a TD.

The Pioneers will conclude their 2014 campaign next Saturday as they travel to Northwood (MI) University for a 1:00 p.m. contest.  Fans can catch all the action live on the Malone Sports Network (radio broadcast on ESPN 990 AM or streaming live at www.espn990.com).