Football extends record to 3–0
By David McIntyre
Contributor
The Hornets picked up their second and third wins of the season over the past two weeks against Manchester (Ind.) University and Lakeland (Wis.) College.
The inaugural game at the new Angell Field complex required four overtimes to decide the outcome between the Hornets and the Manchester Spartans. Ultimately Kalamazoo prevailed with an 18-16 victory, courtesy of a defensive stop on the Spartans’ two-point conversion and a successful conversion by the Hornets.
In a game riddled with poor execution and missed opportunities, the undoubted bright spot was the emergence of linebacker Dylan Zerki K’16, an Orchard Lake St. Mary’s HS product.
He performed nine tackles — two for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble. This earned him the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week.
The victories continued over this past weekend as Kalamazoo traveled to Wisconsin and recorded its third win by beating Lakeland College 31–24.
Running back Dimeko Price K’13 led the way with 137 total yards to go along with his three touchdowns. Connor Rzeznik K’15 and Alan Mencer K’15 turned in solid defensive performances. They combined for 13 tackles, seven of which went for a loss, and an interception.
Zerki continued his strong play recording five tackles.
“[Zerki] is fundamentally sound and is playing beyond his years. He knows where he has to be and when to get there and it’s always good when you can rely on your teammate like that,” said defensive lineman Brett Thomas K’14.
Zerki may not have gone on to play D-1 college football like some of his fellow St. Mary’s graduates, but he is holding his own as a new Hornet player. In each of the first three games, he has established his presence and made plays.
The Hornets will look to remain unbeaten next weekend when they travel to Kentucky to take on Centre College on September 22nd at 1:30 p.m.
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