Football 08-09

Nick Krempasky rushed for a career-high 102 yards against Hiram.

Entering Saturday's key North Coast Athletic Conference match-up with Hiram College the offensive game plan was to keep things on the ground and pound the football directly at the heart of the Hiram defense.  Even after three consecutive turnovers in the opening quarter, Denison held true to the game plan, eventually wearing down the Terriers for a 31-13 victory at Henry Field.

With Hiram holding on to a 6-0 lead after one quarter of play Denison needed a break to fall their way.  After a 51-yard pass play by Trevor Henderson to Rodney Jacobs put the Terriers deep into Denison territory, Denison defensive end Tim Dukovich (Gibsonia, Pa./Hampton) blitzed Henderson and forced a fumble, which he would recover on the Big Red's 20-yardline.

On the first play from scrimmage for DU, quarterback Mike Barnes (Gates Mills, Ohio/Mayfield) broke off a 32-yard run getting the ball into Hiram territory.  Three Jon Berg (Washington, Pa./Trinity) runs later would see DU tie the game at 6-6 after a 29-yard touchdown run by the senior tailback.

Denison would take the lead before halftime when Barnes hooked up with senior wide receiver Nick Thompson (East Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) on a 10-yard scoring strike, capping off a 10-play 82-yard drive that took only 2:26.  Barnes would convert the 2-point attempt, giving DU a 14-6 lead heading to the locker room.

In the second half Denison's first drive would be a sign of things to come as Berg would tote the ball on seven of Denison's 10 plays during the drive.  He finished things off with a 2-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 21-6 with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter.

After the DU defense would force another three-and-out, the Big Red sealed up the victory when Nick Krempasky (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) broke free for a 31-yard touchdown run on the first play of Denison's drive.  It capped off a 28-0 run for the Big Red offense.

A touchdown by Hiram late in the third quarter and a 32-yard field goal by Kevin Schneider (Upper Arlington, Ohio/Upper Arlington) would set the final at 31-13 and improve Denison's record to 2-3 on the season.

The "rush" was the key whether it was the traditional offensive variety or the pass rush on defense, it was what set the tone for the 28-point run.  The Denison offense out rushed Hiram by 306 yards.  Berg carried the ball 29 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns while Krempasky got 16 carries for a career-high 102 yards and one score.  Barnes also added 13 carries for 77 yards.  The Big Red averaged 5.7 yards per carry and the Denison defense limited Hiram to just 41 rushing yards and a 1.6 average per carry.

Once DU took the lead the passing game was not a priority.  Barnes was 5-of-12 for 41 yards and one touchdown to Thompson in the second quarter.  Hiram's Henderson was forced to throw the ball often as they tried to mount a rally.  He was 20-for-42 for 225 yards and two touchdowns. The Denison defense got to Henderson frequently, racking up six sacks and three interceptions.

Sophomore cornerback Nick Weiss (Cincinnati, Ohio/Anderson) posted two picks and Drew Homyk added one interception.  Drew Hanna (Hunting Valley, Ohio/University School) led the defensive line with two sacks while Dukovich and Jerome Ray (Westerville, Ohio/Westerville Central) each added one sack.  Senior linebacker Joe Ulrey (Marengo, Ohio/Highland) led the team in tackles with eight.

Denison will look to start a winning streak next Saturday (Oct. 18) when they host Allegheny College at 1 p.m.