Joique Bell and the 6-2 Wayne State Warriors traveled to Hillsdale at Muddy Waters' Stadium to take on the 6-2 Chargers in a key GLIAC match-up. The Charger defense was up to the task, restraining NCAA leading Bell (191 yards per game) to only 165 and 2 TDs. The HC offense, led by JR QB Troy Weatherhead's second consecutive 4-TD outing (23-33 for 356 yards) and GLIAC offensive POW JR WR Andre Holmes' 5 catches for 119 and 3 TDs in the first half, was able to score on the first 4 posessions to dominate the Warrior defense. Hillsdale continued to dominate building a 31-point lead before Bell found paydirt on a 30-yard run. HC's run game was just as potent as the pass, with SR RB Vinnie Pannizzi getting 126 yards on 23 carries and 2 TDs.
On a CDS-specific note, on Bell's second carry of the day, Charger SR DE Drew Berube (CDS D-2 Preseason Defensive POY) hit him for a 3 yard loss - score one for the defense!
College: Hillsdale College Conference: D-2 GLIAC Columnist: Jay Horn
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class
AJ Kegg 3 5' 11.8 189 4.60 WR 2010
I had chided Kegg for not stepping-up his game in the loss to Findlay - Kegg definitely answered the bell today! He led all receivers with 10 grabs for 131 yards and a spectacular 18-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter to complete the Charger's scoring. While he was being held by the defender, Kegg was able to make an amazing catch in the endzone for the TD - he demonstrated incredible concentration and body control to make the reception. He also had 1 carry for 8 yards for a first down in the second quarter - nice run. He is very athletic and has nice skills - speed might be just a tad under what is needed for him to compete in the NFL. A good pro-day will work wonders towards his viability as a camp invitee.
GRADE: VERY POSITIVE
Drew Berube 99 6' 3.8 280 4.85 DT 2010
Berube didn't have stellar numbers today (3 tackles, 1 solo with 1 TFL for -3 on Bell on his second carry of the day), but he usually occupied 2 Warrior linemen, allowing the Charger FS and SS to lead the team with a combined 18 tackles - most on Bell. His presence did not allow WSU linemen to move downfield to make second-level blocks and get Bell key yards early in the game (Bell's first 4 carries resulted in 0 yards gained) limiting the Warrior's offense. Good work today and much more representative of the caliber of play he is capable of.
GRADE: POSITIVE
Jared Veldheer 66 6' 6.8 321 4.87 OT 2010
Veldheer did a great job in pass protection and as a run blocker as the Charger O ran for 4.7 yards per carry while Weatherhead had a tremendous day passing (the o-line gave up 2 sacks, but one was due to good coverage). He continues to dominate opponent defenders and pave the way for HC running backs (Pannizzi is over 1000 yards rushing this season). Another positive outing for Veldheer, who has received an invitation to the Texas vs the Nation game.
GRADE: POSITIVE
College: Wayne State University (MI) Conference: D-2 GLIAC Columnist: Jay Horn
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class
Joique Bell 5 5' 11.4 225 4.48 RB 2010
Bell continues to be a dominant runner, even in this loss. Unfortunately, the Warriors don't have a passing game to match Bell's ability or they would challenging for the D-2 title. Bell ran for 165 yards on 24 carries (6.9 yards per carry) and he caught the ball well out of the backfield (3 catches for 31, including a nice 21-yard catch and run). He scored on TD runs of 30 and 1 yards. He continues to show an amazing mix of speed and power, using great balance and upper body strength to get into the secondary, where his speed allows him to beat most every DB.
GRADE: VERY POSITIVE
GAME NOTES - Charger WR Holmes had a career day with 5 catches for 119 yards and 3 TDs earning him GLIAC Offensive POW accolades ... Wayne State LB Danny Preston led the Warrior D with 9 tackles ... Charger strong safety Nick Galvan had an interception and 8 tackles on the day ... Bell moves to 7th on the all time NCAA scoring list with his 2 TDs - he continues to lead 3 NCAA D2 categories - Scoring: 18.0 ppg; Yards per game: 188.44; and all purpose yards per game: 214.22.
This week, Hillsdale (7-2, 6-2) travels to Ferris State (1-8, 0-8) to take on the Bulldogs and Wayne State (6-3, 5-3) hosts Northwood (5-3, 5-3).