KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College football team lost 16-14 to Benedictine (Ill.) University in non-conference play at Angell Field on Saturday.
After falling behind, 13-0, after three quarters, the Hornets rallied when quarterback Aaron McGuire hit receiver Alex Dietrich for a 3-yard touchdown pass with 13:47 left in the game. McGuire had scrambled, was almost sacked, then tossed it to Dietrich in the corner of the end zone.
Later in the fourth quarter, the K defense held the Eagles deep in their own territory, forcing a punt from their end zone. The Hornets took over on Benedictine's 39-yard line with just 5:08 left in the game.
It took seven plays for Kalamazoo to score. On first down and goal from the 6-yard line, McGuire looked for a receiver, couldn't find an open man and scrambled to the right side, diving into the corner of the end zone. Jacob Hardy kicked the extra point to put the Hornets ahead, 14-13, with 3:25 remaining.
Benedictine was efficient with its last drive, though, as Jacob Plevell kicked a 29-yard field goal with 36 seconds left for the game's winning points.
With no time outs, Kalamazoo wasn't able to keep a drive going at the end of the game.
McGuire completed 32 of 49 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown. He also had a pass intercepted. The quarterback was also the team's leading rusher, gaining 68 yards on 19 carries.
Cameron Shegos was Kalamazoo's leading receiver with 89 yards on six catches. Dietrich added 74 yards on nine receptions.
The Hornets had 250 yards in total offense and held Benedictine to 187. Dylan Zerki was the top tackler for Kalamazoo with nine. Connor Rzeznik had eight tackles, including three for losses. Rzeznik, Josiah Thomas and Andrew Thiede each had a quarterback sack.
Kalamazoo's defense was able to shut down Benedictine's running game as the Eagles gained just 20 yards on 32 carries.
Kalamazoo starts MIAA play on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Albion in a game which starts at 6 p.m. The Hornets' next home game is Saturday, Oct. 18 against Alma. The Homecoming game starts at 2 p.m.