Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
ALBION — In a packed house on Homecoming weekend, the No. 22 Albion College football team handily defeated rival and MIAA preseason favorite, Hope College, 30-10. The Britons put on a show for their friends, family and alumni, hauling in three interceptions and improving to a spotless 6-0, 2-0.
Not a recycled line, but Mark Tocco yet again had a career day. The senior brought down nine passes for 169 yards and three TDs. In a matchup between two of the league's best wide receivers, Tocco made his name known throughout the stadium.
In his first game back on his home turf since Week 2, Jack Bush was a stellar 27 of 39 for 347 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensively, four Brits finished with 10 or more tackles – Conner Smith (12), Nick Fannon (11), Stephen Douglas (10) and Jeremiah Major (10). Smith, Major and Kalil Brown had the three Briton picks on the afternoon.
Albion's defense came out of the gate strong, forcing the Flying Dutchmen to punt. Albion's drive culminated in an 11-yard touchdown pass to Tocco for a 6-0 lead. Despite a missed PAT, the Brits retained all of the momentum.
On the ensuing Hope possession, the Britons forced the visitors to turn the ball over on downs, following a big 4th and 2 tackle by Josh Wuensch and Casmer Johnson. Albion made use of the good field position with another touchdown to Tocco. With six minutes remaining in the first quarter, the Britons led 13-0.
Albion extended their lead to 20-0 on the first drive of the second quarter. Bush connected with Brendan Teal for a 21-yard strike. Hope would kick a field goal on the next drive, but the hosts were in control, 20-3, at the half.
With the ball first in the new half, Tocco went 75 yards for a TD on the first play of the second half, boosting the lead to 27-3.
An interception by Smith set up the Britons in great field position – the Hope 35. Later, Jackson Cooney drilled a 20-yard field goal to cap off the scoring for the hosts. Hope's lone TD came with under two minutes on the clock.
"I've said it every week … Mark Tocco is Mark Tocco and he's going to do Mark Tocco things," said head coach Dustin Beurer. "He's dependable, he's reliable and good luck trying to tackle him with the first guy."
"I can't say enough about the defense, the defense was unbelievable all day long and made plays," added Beurer.
With a bye week next week, Albion will travel to Hope on Oct. 22.