Albion Smothers Hope

HOLLAND, Mich. – Playing at Hope College on Homecoming, Albion College knew it would have to dominate the line of scrimmage. Albion dominated – the offensive line opened holes for running back Clinton Orr to rush for a season-high 236 yards and the defensive line held Hope to -3 yards rushing – and it walked out of Holland Municipal Stadium with a 12-3 victory.

"We got after them physically," Albion Coach Craig Rundle said after the Britons improved to 3-0 in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. "This was a big game for us. There were three undefeated teams in league play at the start of the day and now there are two."

With winds approaching 45 miles per hour, it was interesting that Albion's two scores came through the air. Spencer Krauss hooked up with Brian Spencer on a 22-yard play on the first possession of the third quarter, and with J.C. Cruse on a 17-yard scoring strike on the second possession of the second half. Krauss finished 20-for-36 for 196 yards. Spencer was the leading receiver with nine catches for 112 yards.

"Both touchdown plays were catch and run," Rundle said. "Spencer throws a tight spiral. The wind doesn't affect his throws much."

The third-quarter touchdowns were plenty for the Briton defense which surrendered just 147 total yards and a 32-yard field goal by Evan Finch in the second quarter. C.J. Carroll led the line with three tackles for loss, including a pair of sacks. Julian Paksi, Jacob Heinrich, and Jason Bajas each wrapped up sacks.

With its running game grounded, Hope went to the air and Lorenzo Reese took advantage with three interceptions. Brett McCarty also collected an interception.

Albion moved into Hope territory often in the first half, but came away empty on two fumbles, an interception, and a missed field goal. The Britons held the ball nearly 23 minutes of the second half as it turned the ball over on downs three times.

Albion (3-3 overall) returns home Oct. 22 to tackle Olivet College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium and Schmidt-Fraser Field.