Adrian College and Trine University became the first NCAA D3 programs to start the 2020 season, and did so in explosive fashion. The Bulldogs’ home facility Kapnick Field at Docking Stadium also became the site of the first college football game played at any level in the state of Michigan this year.
The visiting Thunder were able to fend off an Adrian comeback bid for a 44-27 non-conference victory on Saturday. Preston Smith made his freshman debut with game highs of five receptions and 136 yards.
Junior Greg Palus caught two touchdown passes that accounted for 48 yards. Classmate Jack Wurzer threw for 231 yards on 11 completions and three TDs.
Highlights from @AdrianCollegeFB and @TrineThunderFB's contest today. @TrineAthletics won 44-27. The full contest can be watched here: https://t.co/8OwFdjp2dH@AdrianBulldogs @FOX2Sports @d3football @D3FBHuddle #GoDawgs #D3FB #CFB #Football #Thunder #Bulldogs pic.twitter.com/CeZQDHhmhB
— Adrian College TV (@AdrianCollegeTV) October 3, 2020
Junior transfer Kyle Minder from Siena Height University had quite the debut in an Adrian uniform by leading all players with 14 total stops (5 solo). Sophomore Sam Madrid added five tackles (10 total) followed by junior Kevin Smitherman (7a, 8t), classmate DeAndre Jennings (4s, 7t) and senior Adrien Kirkland had 2-1/2 tackles for loss (12 yards) and a pair of quarterback hurries.
Converted defensive back Steven Moses began his junior campaign with a career-best 102 rushing yards on just 13 attempts and a TD. Xaine Kirby rushed 24 times for a game-best 141 yards and three TDs. Tony Nikodemski led the Thunder defense with 12 total tackles (6 solo), followed by Jaylyn Williams with seven tackles (10 total), 1-1/2 sacks (7 yards) and a forced fumble.
THUNDER / SPARTANS BROADCAST INFO:
Non-Conference Regular Season Game
Adrian College Bulldogs @ Manchester University Spartans
Date: Saturday, October 17th | Time: TBD
Location: Burt Memorial Stadum – North Manchester, Indiana
TV: Adrian College Television | Radio: 107.9 WVAC-FM, 103.9 WLEN-FM
Adrian still leads the all-time series, 10-8. The start of the game was delayed 30 minutes to 1:30 kickoff because the Trine bus had a late arrival.
Before the game, Dr. Emily Kist who is the director of the Adrian College Student Health Center was recognized as the honorary captain and coin-flipper. She has been an integral player in the “Adrian College Preparedness Plan: Our Students, Our Employees, Our Response” template that has given the on-campus community a sense of normalcy in the fight against the pandemic.
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