October 10, 2009 – Of all the streaks earned by the Grand Valley State football team over the past five years, one streak from Saturday’s game should not be overlooked.

This was the sixth straight Homecoming Game win for the Hillsdale College Football program.

Of those six, this one was by far the most significant and satisfying, as Hillsdale defeated previously undefeated and No. 1-ranked Grand Valley State 27-24 before more than 3,000 screaming fans at Frank “Muddy” Waters Stadium. The Chargers are now 5-2 overall and 4-2 in GLIAC play. Grand Valley State suffered its first conference loss in five years, and falls to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in the GLIAC.

The Lakers have been the most dominant team in all of Division II this decade, breaking all kinds of records and establishing a level of dominance rarely seen at this level. The team had won four national championships this decade.

None of that mattered to this determined and spirited Hillsdale College football team, who bounced back from a difficult loss last week to put together a win of historic proportions.

Neither team was able to build a big lead at any point in the game. That left it up to the Hillsdale offense, who started its final drive with 5:19 left on the clock, facing a 24-20 deficit.
Junior QB Troy Weatherhead worked the team down the field, 11 plays for 67 yards that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run by senior Bill Kanitz, who plowed through the line for the game-winning score.

The Lakers, always a quick-striking offensive team, got the ball with just 29 seconds left, but moved into position for a potential game-tying field goal. The 49-yuard attempt flew wide right, setting off a celebration that saw the field fill up with delighted Charger fans just moments after the ball dropped to the track.

FULL STORY

–Courtesy Hillsdale College Athletics