Ada, Ohio – October 10, 2009 – The Heidelberg University football team could not sustain its valiant effort from the opening half of play and suffered a 38-7 setback at the hands of no. 18 Ohio Northern University today, October 10, at Dial-Roberson Stadium in Ada, Ohio. The Polar Bears improve to 3-2 overall and 2-2 versus league foes, while the Berg stands at 1-4, 0-4.
The first half saw Heidelberg running back Kenny Sims (Garfield Heights, Ohio / Garfield Heights) utilized a second effort to rush for 103 yards on 18 carries. In the end, Sims finished with a game-high 141 yards on 26 carries to mark his first 100-yard rushing game on the year.
On defense in the opening half, Heidelberg held the Polar Bears to less than 100 yards on the ground and forced their nationally-ranked foes into two early punts.
ONU would end up scoring to close out the first quarter and started the second quarter with a score. Following another punt, its lead was extended to 17 with a 40-yard field goal.
The third quarter saw ONU strike twice before the Berg found the end zone. Heidelberg went 61 yards in nine plays and Andrew Miller (Dalton, Ohio / Dalton) connected with Mitch White (Wadsworth, Ohio / Wadsworth) for an 11-yard touchdown. Jesse Hawkins (Georgetown, Ohio / Scott County) converted the PAT.
ONU added another score in the final quarter, but the Berg did not quit. They reached ONU territory on its final two possessions of the game, but were held on fourth down.
In the end, ONU held a 406-262 advantage in offense. Aside from Sims, White had 54 yards in five catches. Miller completed 11-of-25 passes for 118 yards.
Dating back to the 2008 season, Heidelberg has played eight of its last nine outings on the road. Next up is Mount Union College at home, Oct. 17. The game against the Purple Raiders is the first of four home games for the Berg during the final five weeks of the season. Kick off is slated for 7:00 pm.