Oilers defense phenomenal again in win over KWU

FINDLAY – The University of Findlay's defense was its dominating self in the first half against Kentucky Wesleyan Saturday at Donnell Stadium. The Oilers, undefeated and ranked 16th in the most recent American Football Coaches Association Division II poll, got an interception from defensive back Johnny Harris and forced two punts. Unfortunately for the Oilers, the offense wasn't able to take advantage. Early in the second quarter, the game was scoreless. The Oilers needed a jolt. "Defense took it in their own hands," said Findlay coach Kory Allen. Literally. Facing a third and 13 at the Oilers' 28, KWU quarterback Justis Wertzler looked to pass. His throw was batted into the air by Findlay lineman Braden Watson. The ball fluttered down, and into the hands of UF safety Justin Finkbine. "It did feel like it took a long time to get to me," Finkbine said. Finkbine then took off, racing 72 yards to the end zone for a 7-0 Oilers lead. "I was reading the QB, I was the QB spy," Finkbine said of the play. "(Watson) did most of the work, so I just had to catch it, take it to the house." Allen said it was the defense just taking initiative. "You want to see some reward for the fruits of your labor," Allen said. "(The defense) said, 'OK, offense, you're struggling, we'll put one in.' That's what they did. I'm super proud of them." UF went on to defeat the Panthers, 28-0. Findlay improved to 7-0, 5-0 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. It was the third game this season where Findlay's defense did not allow a touchdown. "Our coaches preach, bend don't break," said UF linebacker and Findlay High graduate Sam Weihrauch, who tied Harris with a team leading five tackles, including one for a loss. "Our goal is to not let any points on the scoreboard." Four Findlay players – Jon Slaper, Londyn Claxton, Christion Stokes and Watson – each recorded a sack. The Panthers managed just 13 rushing yards, and were held to 151 total yards. And somehow, the Oilers believe they can be better. "We come in and week in and week out, we've got stuff to work on," Weihrauch said. "No matter what happened today, we've still got stuff to go back and work on, so take it one game at a time, one play at a time." But while the defense shined, the offense appeared stuck in neutral for much of the first half. Quarterback Andrew Leonard threw a touchdown pass to Denny Furlong, but the play was called back due to a hold. Leonard was 3 of 7 passing for 43 yards and an interception, and by the second quarter had taken some big hits. Chase Harrison – who started four games for the Oilers this season – replaced him. Findlay led 7-0 at halftime. "It was certainly not a first half that we're proud of," Allen said. "The ball wasn't moving. We were our own worst enemy, with mistakes and alignment issues. "They were challenged at halftime," the coach said. "Yes, we made a move at quarterback, but we challenged the entire offense at halftime, and they responded." After Findlay's defense forced Kentucky Wesleyan to punt on the third-quarter's opening possession, the Oilers offense started to move the ball. A misdirection running play to receiver Cameron Wright went for 45 yards to the KWU 25. Two plays later, Harris completed a pass to Mitch Nielsen, who barreled his way into the end zone for a 23-yard score. Findlay's next two offensive possessions also ended in touchdowns. This time, it was Jayden Farmer who punctuated the drives with touchdown runs of four and two yards. Farmer finished with 13 carries for 59 yards. "You want to give the ball to your 240-pound tailback when you're in short-yardage situations," Allen said. "He made some critical runs, and that's what playmakers do." Findlay ended with 207 yards rushing overall. Harrison ended completing 4 of 10 passes for 90 yards, while running for 24. Kentucky Wesleyan (0-7, 0-5) was led on defense by Jalon Baker, who had nine tackles, one for a loss. On offense, Camron Brogan made five catches for 73 yards. Findlay will be back at home next week against Ohio Dominican at noon. ODU is 3-3 after falling to No. 21 Ashland on Saturday, 31-14. "We're excited to get back to work," Allen said.