HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover Panthers claimed the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Title last week, the first since 2019 (excluding COVID) and third under Head Coach Matt Theobald.
 
Hanover welcomes non-conference opponent Otterbein to Alumni Stadium, celebrating Senior Day.
 
NCAA DIVISION III FOOTBALL
For the second week in a row, Hanover is receiving votes in the D3football.com Top 25 Poll. The Panthers still rank second among NCAA Division III in total yards in a game against Manchester, fourth in opponent rushing yards allowed in a game (-46), and sixth in total points scored (76).
 
CONFERENCE STATS
Hanover leads the HCAC in several offensive and defensive categories. The Panthers are first in points per game this season (39.6), total points scored (317), and total touchdowns scored (44).
 
Defensively, they rank first in fewest touchdowns allowed (12), fewest points scored (100), and fewest points per game (12.5).
 
Junior Eian Roudebush ranks first in the HCAC in passing percentage (72.3) and first in passing efficiency (173.2). Don Dunning is a force in the backfield, ranking second in rush yards per game (60.4).
 
Junior Curbrian Shelby is the quarterback's top target, ranking second in receptions (45), total yards (722), and yards per game (90.3).
 
Senior Clint Hearne leads the league in points after tries with an HCAC best 33 made attempts. He also ranks first among the special teams players in total points (45).
Senior Garron Jenkins sits second among the HCAC in sacks this season (6) for a league-best 58 yards.
 
SIZING UP THE COMPETITION
The Cardinals of Otterbein enter the weekend at 1-7 overall, 1-6 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Their last win came on Saturday, Oct. 25, when they knocked off Conference opponent Capital, 20-19.
 
The Cardinals are averaging 20.8 points per game, 189.8 rushing yards, and 132.8 passing yards per game.
 
LAST WEEK AT BLUFFTON
Hanover claimed the 2025 HCAC Title last week with a 48-0 shutout win at Bluffton. Hanover had an impressive day, combining for 586 yards of total offense, 301 yards rushing, with five touchdowns. They added 285 yards through the air.
 
Roudebush put on a clinic, throwing for 258 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for a game-high 116 yards and a touchdown.
 
Jenkins added six tackles, five solo stops, with four tackles for loss (22 yards) and three sacks (20 yards).
 
For their efforts, both were named HCAC Athletes of the Week.
 
THE BELL GAME
Hanover will wrap up the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 15, when it welcomes Franklin to Alumni Stadium for the playing of the 95^th Victory Bell Game. Hanover holds the slight 48-43-3 edge in the all-time series and is currently on a three-game win streak.