By: Kurtis Ternet

HANOVER, Ind. – Hanover (1-3 overall, 1-0 HCAC) faces off against Bluffton (0-4 overall, 0-1 HCAC) on Saturday October 8^th celebrating Homecoming at Alumni Stadium.

Hanover Picks Up First Win of 2022
On Saturday, October 1^st, Hanover College recorded their first victory of the 2022 season with a win over Defiance. Despite three losses to start the season, Hanover finds themselves atop the HCAC with a conference record of 1-0.

Hanover had an offensive explosion against Defiance, leading them to a 37-20 victory. Senior quarterback Matthew Weimer (Georgetown, Ind.)  aired it out for 257 yards on 29 completions. He also ran for 39 yards, tallying three total touchdowns. Sophomore Austin Oppel (Brandenburg, Ky.) had a career day on the ground with 119 yards and a touchdown on only 19 carries. Sophomore Blake Huffman (Columbus, Ind.) also found the endzone on the ground, which was his first of the season.

Junior Brody Luker (New Palestine, Ind.) led the Panthers' defense with six total tackles and one interception. The Hanover defensive line was in Defiance's backfield all day, they set a season high 10 tackles for loss. Sophomore David Wall (Sellersburg, Ind.) and senior Devonte Hardiman (Princeton, Ind.) both recorded multiple tackles for a loss.

The Defiance run game was held in check with 79 yards on 28 attempts. Defiance split their quarterback reps between Seth Pearson and Jordan Ambrose, the combination threw for 202 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.

Bluffton Loses First HCAC Matchup
Bluffton has struggled to begin the year with four straight losses. The defense has not been able to keep the opponent out of the endzone, they have allowed 179 points through four games. In their most recent game, they lost to Franklin College 37-27. Bluffton quarterback Blake Rine threw for 329 yards including two touchdowns and two interceptions. Andre Price Jr. was his top target with nine catches for 118 yards.

Matchup History
Saturday's game will be the 46^th time Hanover and Bluffton have faced off. Hanover has dominated the series as they have won 37 of the 45 games. Hanover Head Coach Matthew Theobald is 5-1 against Bluffton in his career, with the only loss coming in 2016. Last year, Hanover beat Bluffton 41-10.

After the first week of Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference matchups; Hanover, Franklin, Mt. St. Joseph, and Rose-Hulman find themselves tied for the top spot with conference records of 1-0.

Homecoming Excitement
Click Link - 95^th Annual Homecoming