Football Finishes Season With 28-21 Road Win Over Malone

CANTON, OHIO – The Northwood University football team wrapped up its 2015 season with a 28-21 road win at Malone Saturday afternoon (November 14).

Northwood finishes the season 5-6 overall, 5-5 in the GLIAC. Malone ends up at 0-10 overall, 0-10 in the GLIAC.

The Timberwolves got off to a good start in the game, scoring a pair of touchdowns midway through the first quarter. Vashon Nutt () capped a 71-yard drive with a nine-yard touchdown run to give NU the lead at the 9:14 mark. Then after a stand by the NU defense and a poor Malone punt, the Timberwolves took over at the MU 30 yard line. Two plays later, Bryce Lindberg () scored from 19 yards out to put the Timberwolves up 14-0 with 7:22 remaining in the first quarter.

The score remained 14-0 until early in the second quarter when the Timberwolves' defense made a play to extend their lead. Andre Fils () recovered a fumble at the Malone two yard line and ran it in for a touchdown, making the score 21-0. A late touchdown by the Pioneers sent the game to the break with the score 21-7.  Northwood held a big edge in yards in the opening half, finishing with a 164-79 edge.

After Malone scored the first touchdown of the second half late in the third quarter, Nutt made a big play that allowed Northwood to respond immediately. Nutt's 88-yard kickoff return gave Northwood the ball on the Malone nine yard line. Four plays later, senior Jared Briguglio (Saginaw, Mich./Swan Valley) scored on a one-yard touchdown run to make the score 28-14.

The Pioneers continued to fight, scoring a touchdown with less than 10 minutes remaining to cut the lead to 28-21. Malone eventually had a chance to tie the game late, but their drive stalled out inside the Northwood 10 yard line. The Timberwolves were then able to run out the clock and earn the win.

For the game, Northwood was out-gained 273-250. The Timberwolves finished with 229 yards passing and 21 yards rushing.

The balanced rushing attack had Lindberg and Briguglio lead the way with 67 and 62 yards, respectively. Nutt ended up with 32 yards rushing, a touchdown and that 88-yard kickoff return.