By Robert Youngs, Jr.
KALAMAZOO - Despite 415 yards passing from sophomore quarterback Justin Danzy, the Kalamazoo College football team could not withstand a balanced offensive attack from visiting Albion College as the Hornets lost on Homecoming, 31-21.
After the Britons started hot and posted a 14-0 lead, the Hornets finally answered with a 12-play, 72-yard drive that culminated with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Danzy to receiver Aaron McGuire, a converted quarterback. Key plays on the drive included two first down pass receptions by Josh Wise and two pass receptions by Alex Dietrich.
K was unable to add to the scoreboard any further in the first half, and were further bogged down after another Britons touchdown and a field goal to push the halftime score to 24-7. A scoreless third quarter and a long, established Hornet drive at the end of that period set the scene for an exciting final stanza at Angell Field.
Danzy capped that drive on his feet with a 10-yard touchdown rush early in the fourth to cut the Britons' lead to 24-13 after a blocked extra point. Albion answered the bell again with a nine-play, 70-yard drive to open the lead further to 31-13.
A 13-play drive went for naught following the Britons' next possession and K didn't touch the ball again until 4:46 remaining in the contest. Sophomore receiver K.J. Schultz had three grabs on the next chance the Hornets had, including a three-yard touchdown reception to cap it off.
The Hornets' extra point closed the contest scoring at 31-21. Kalamazoo falls to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play with the loss. Albion improves to 4-2, 2-0.
Elijah Hamilton-Wray rushed 16 times for 60 yards in the loss. Wise had 11 grabs for 139 yards and Dietrich had nine receptions for 110 yards. McGuire and Schultz accounted for the receiving touchdowns.
Dylan Zerki collected 14 tackles from his linebacker position and fellow defenders Ryan Gregory and Ian Good each had 10 apiece. Defensive back Hartlee Lucas pitched in with seven tackles, as well.
Kalamazoo travels to Holland to take on the Hope Flying Dutchmen on Oct. 26. Kickoff at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium is set for 7 p.m.
The Hornets will be back home on Nov. 2 against Adrian.