UF's defense, special teams wipe out Walsh

During its recent winning streak, the University of Findlay football team has relied on big plays from its defense and special team.On Saturday in the home finale against Walsh, it was more of the same.Oiler defenders intercepted Cavaliers' quarterback Ceejay Yarboro three times, Dominic Bennett returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown, and Findlay won its fifth straight game, topping Walsh, 20-7.The Oilers improved to 6-4, 5-2 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. They will close the regular season next week at Tiffin.UF's defense forced punts on each of Walsh's first two possessions. Findlay's offense turned its first two possessions into field goals – 44 and 29 yards, respectively – by Austin Snyder, and led 6-0 with 12:06 left in the half.The Oilers had a chance to add to that lead after Findlay High graduate Sam Weihrauch intercepted Yarboro at the Walsh 34, but penalties stalled UF's ensuing drive and it was forced to punt.Walsh took the ball and drove to around midfield, but Findlay's Kyle Nunn sacked Yarboro on a third down, which forced another punt.And that set up the biggest play of the game.Walsh's Garrett Kashner launched a 47-yard punt, and Bennett fielded the ball at his own 16.Then he took off, going all the way to the end zone.The return was the first punt returned for a touchdown by an Oiler since Darren Paige did it against Ferris State in 2005.Bennett's 84-yard dash was the first punt return of 80 yards or more by a Findlay player since Chuck Heard had a pair of 90-yard punt returns since 1990.Findlay took a 13-0 lead into the half, and added to itIn the third quarter, another Findlay interception – this one by Jeremiah Jackson – set up the Oilers' only offensive touchdown of the game.The 52-yard march was highlighted by a pair of big Derek Lynch runs. First, he broke a 27 yarder, then, moments later, went six yards for a touchdown.Lynch finished with 66 yards rushing on 11 carries. The Oilers' leading rusher was Garret Clark, who ran the ball 19 times for 71 yards. At quarterback, Findlay again alternated between two players: Jeremy Hunt and Alec Bornhorst. Hunt completed 6 of 10 passes for 80 yards, while Bornhorst was 8 of 15 for 62 yards. Hunt's brother, Bryan, led the Oilers with four catches for 65 yards. McComb High graduate Tanner Schroeder had a pair of grabs for 31 yards.Walsh (1-8, 1-6 G-MAC) scored its only points in the final seconds of the third quarter, when Yarboro connected with Tyre Gray on a 6-yard touchdown.Yarboro completed 16 of 30 throws for 148 yards. Walsh running back Tai Carter rushed 16 times for 74 yards.The difference in the game came on turnovers and special teams. Neither offense amassed 300 yards of total offense; Findlay ran 63 offensive plays, while Walsh had 61.Marqis Stokes led UF's defense with eight tackles, while Johnny Harris – who starred in last week's win over Lake Erie – finished with seven stops, one for a loss.Weihrauch finished with five tackles.Diego Bremer led the Cavaliers with a game-high 10 tackles and had a pass breakup. Walsh travels to Northwood next week to finish its season. Walsh&emsp;&emsp;0&emsp;&emsp;0&emsp;&emsp;7&emsp;&emsp;0&emsp;&emsp;– 7Findlay&emsp;&emsp;3&emsp;&emsp;10&emsp;&emsp;7 – 20First Quarter UF – Austin Snyder 44 field goal Second Quarter UF – Snyder 29 field goal UF – Dominic Bennett 84 punt return (Snyder kick)Third Quarter UF – Derek Lynch 6 run (Snyder kick)W – Tyre Gray 6 pass from Ceejay Yarboro (Charles Hanchett kick)