A hard-fought rivalry contest between two undefeated programs went down to the wire on Saturday, but Hillsdale came up just short on the road in a tight 10-7 loss to #25 Northwood.

In a game defined by wet and wild weather and strong defensive performances, Hillsdale led the Timberwolves for most of the contest, thanks to a 10-play, 63 yard drive early in the second quarter. 

Quarterback Eli Boyce made three big completions that all moved the chains, a 16-yarder to Tutt Carrico, a seven-yarder to Jonathan Metzger and an 11-yarder to Andrew Konieczny, and picked up 18 yards on the ground on four carries, including a one yard touchdown run on third and one to give the Chargers a 7-0 lead. 

Hillsdale defense stymied an electric Northwood offense for two and a half quarters, forcing three punts, two turnovers on downs, and two missed field goals before the Timberwolves got on the board with a 38-yard field goal with 5:44 left in the third quarter. 

Clinging to a 7-3 lead, the Chargers got a stop on downs when Northwood drove to the Hillsdale 18 early in the fourth quarter, thanks to a big sack by Alex Lee on fourth down. After Hillsdale went three and out on the ensuing drive however, Northwood got the breakthrough they needed, going 53 yards in eight plays and converting a fourth and one at the Hillsdale 3 to score the go-ahead touchdown, 10-7.

Although they'd lost the lead, Hillsdale wasn't done. After Northwood got the ball back, Hillsdale forced a critical three and out thanks to a Ryan Niksa pass breakup on third down. The Chargers got the ball back with 3:23 to play and marched into field goal range, setting up a potential tying kick for Dylan DeDario from 43 yards out with 30 seconds to play. But Northwood got through the line and blocked Hillsdale's attempt, sealing the Timberwolves' victory.

Hillsdale finished with just 204 yards of offense in the loss. Colin McKernan led the Chargers in passing, going 8 of 15 for 76 yards, while Boyce was 7 for 11 for 58 yards and an interception and also led the Chargers on the ground with 39 yards rushing, including Hillsdale's one touchdown. 

Shea Ruddy caught four passes for 50 yards for the Chargers, and Konieczny added four catches for 45 yards as well.

On defense, Alex Lee had a huge game for Hillsdale. Thrust into a key role from a reserve position, Lee led Hillsdale with 11 tackles, three for loss, and two sacks. Luke Penola chipped in 10 tackles for the Chargers, Colin Morrow added nine, and Drake Badger finished with six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.

In a game with a lot of punting, Ian Woodyard had one of his best games as a Charger, hitting two punts of 50 or more yards, including a long of 63, and averaging 44 yards on the day.

Hillsdale is now 2-1 overall, 0-1 in the G-MAC. The Chargers will look to bounce back at home next weekend as Hillsdale hosts Thomas More at noon in a G-MAC clash. The game is part of Community Weekend for the Hillsdale athletic department and will include free admission to the contest for all attending fans.