Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium was alive with school pride as the Albion College Britons emerged victorious this past weekend, winning the homecoming game against Olivet with a final score of 20-0.
The Britons, coming off of a bye week and a non-league season record of 0-3, were rested and ready to open MIAA league play. The defeat was the Comets’ first shutout since 1997.
“The preparation for the game was very intense,” said Jeremy Green, Chattanooga, Tenn. junior. “The coaches really pushed us during our off week and we had one of our best practice weeks of the year. They kept preaching to us that we were a lot better than we played and that we needed to work hard in practice to reach our potential.”
The Albion defense held Olivet to 13 rushing yards and forced five turnovers, one of which was run back by Jacob Lee, Spring Lake senior, for a 34-yard return touchdown in the third quarter. Robbie Moffett, Chelsea junior, and Green each had one forced fumble and five solo tackles.
“A major key to the game was causing Olivet to turn the ball over,” Moffett said. “I think the defense caused five turnovers which helped propel us to win. Also, the offense dominated Olivet’s defense all day, and that was a huge part of the game as well.”
With the defense playing strong, the offense was set up well for success. Spencer Krauss, Tipton first-year, played starting quarterback for the second time in his career, leading the team to score on two of its first three possessions.
“We all came out together with intensity and we played hard as a team and not just as individuals,” said Bruce Davis, Lynn Haven, Fla. first-year.
Young players DeSean McGhee, Detroit first-year, and Davis made their first collegiate career interceptions, two of the three interceptions made by the Britons. Davis’ interception allowed Mychal Galla, Muskegon junior to score one of his two field goals in the second quarter.
“The coaches said that this team had a lot of memories from the teams before us and that everyone was coming out to the game to see what this year’s team was all about,” Davis said. “They said that we needed to make our own memories this year and show everyone what we were made of. Making my own memory really stuck with me, and I made one. The greatest moment of the game was when I caught my first interception here.”
The Britons had 347 yards of total offense, with Krauss passing to seven receivers including Brian Spencer, East Lansing first-year, for 31 yards in four catches and Mark McRobb, Livonia first-year, with 49 yards in five passes. Wes Dolen, East Lansing first-year, gained 87 yards in 19 carries.
“Our coaches told us to put it all out on the line,” Green said. “This win was huge, and it showed our entire team what can happen when you practice and play hard. It was a major step going into conference play. From here on out it will be a dog fight, and I think the players now understand what it will take to win the conference championship.”
Albion plays Oct. 10 against Hope on the road.
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