The Hope College football team continued its winning streak against Kalamazoo College on Saturday, October 28, 2023, by defeating the Hornets 63-17 at Angell Field. The Flying Dutchmen claimed the Wooden Shoes traveling trophy for the seventh consecutive time and improved their record to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
Key Takeaways
- Hope College football defeated Kalamazoo College 63-17, claiming the Wooden Shoes trophy for the seventh time.
- They showcased impressive offensive stats, with 762 total yards and 459 rushing yards.
- The defense intercepted three passes and sacked the Kalamazoo quarterback four times.
- Hope College is ranked No. 8 in the D3football.com North Region poll.
- They are set to face Trine University for Senior Day and aim to end the season on a high note.
The Flying Dutchmen showcased their offensive prowess by accumulating 762 yards of total offense, including 459 rushing yards, which is the third-highest by an NCAA Division III team this season. They also scored nine touchdowns, six of them on the ground, by six different players.
Junior running back Chance Strickland led the way with three rushing touchdowns and 112 yards on 15 carries. Senior running back Elijah Smith added two rushing touchdowns and a game-high 195 yards on 17 carries. Freshman running back Shawn Foster and sophomore quarterback Hunter Ames also scored on the ground, while freshman quarterback Zach Trainor threw two touchdown passes to sophomore receiver Travis Myers and senior receiver Terrell Harris.
Senior receiver Grant Holtzer had a season-best 141 receiving yards on four catches, including a 65-yard reception that set up the first touchdown of the game.
The Flying Dutchmen also displayed their defensive strength by intercepting three passes and sacking the Kalamazoo quarterback four times, including a safety in the first quarter. Junior safety Tyler Stezowski, sophomore safety Nick Flegler, and sophomore cornerback Caleb Dean each had an interception, while Flegler also forced a fumble. Sophomore defensive lineman Liam Danitz had two sacks, while junior defensive lineman Oatis Ackermann, senior defensive lineman Zac Carlson, and sophomore defensive lineman Caleb Paarlberg combined for two more.
The Flying Dutchmen held the Hornets to 17 points and 284 yards of total offense. The Hornets scored on a field goal in the second quarter, a touchdown pass in the third quarter, and a touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
The Flying Dutchmen are ranked No. 8 in the latest D3football.com North Region poll. They are also receiving votes in the national poll. They have won 21 MIAA championships, the most of any team in the conference. Their last title was in 2019.
The Flying Dutchmen will host Trine University for Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. It is Hope’s regular-season finale. The Flying Dutchmen have a record of 16-6 against Trine University since the Thunder joined the MIAA in 2004. The last time they met was in 2019, when Hope won 51-0.
The Flying Dutchmen are hoping to end their season on a high note and celebrate their seniors with a victory over their rivals.
“We’re excited for Senior Day. We have a great group of seniors who have been leaders for us and have given so much to this program,” head coach Peter Stuursma said. “We’re looking forward to playing Trine and competing for another win.”