A stunning comeback by Tiffin University that included 29 fourth-quarter points came up just short, as Hillsdale scored with 1:26 to play to clip the Dragons on Senior Day 37-36.
The Dragons opened the game as flat as could be, allowing 23 unanswered points by the Chargers in the first quarter. As the opening quarter wound down, Hillsdale had outgained TU 222-5 in total offense and the game appeared to be a blowout.
TU answered with their first score at the 12:08 mark of the second quarter, as Mike Lento hauled in a 6-yard pass from Matt Root to make it 23-7, but Hillsdale came back and scored with 22 seconds remaining in the half to go up 30-7 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Dragons still faced a 23 point deficit with 15 minutes to play. Dyshaun Edwards started the Dragons rally with a 5 yard TD catch from Root with 14:51 to play. Mike Lento rushed for the two-point conversion to make the score 30-15.
The Dragons defense stepped up and started to shut down the Chargers as they attempted to run down the clock. On TU's next possession, Greg Raspberry capped a 12 play, 71 yard drive with a 8 yard TD catch from Root, making the score 30-22.
The Dragons again stopped the Chargers, leading to the Dragons offense taking over and driving 85 yards on 10 plays before Williams caught a 24 yard pass from Root. The conversion failed, however, leaving TU trailing 30-28 with 3:20 to play.
After again stopping the Chargers, Dyshaun Edwards sent the crowd, parents, and team into orbit with a stunning 92 yard punt return for a touchdown with 2:35 to play, putting TU ahead 34-30. Root rushed in for a two-point conversion, giving TU a 36-30 lead.
But the Chargers worked their way down the field, using just 1:03 before AJ Kegg caught a 19 yard pass at the 1:26 mark to tie the score at 36-36. Mark Petro's extra point gave the Chargers the lead 37-36.
The Dragons got the ball back but Root fumbled in the pocket while scrambling with the Chargers recovering to end the game.
TU outgained Hillsdale 405-398 in total yardage, 400-176 over the final three quarters. Dyshaun Edwards had a fantastic day, accounting for 291 all-purpose yards with 112 receiving, 55 in kick returns, 104 in punt returns, and 20 rushing. Trey Williams had 141 yards receiving. Root finished 36 for 50 for 360 yards and 4 touchdowns with 2 interceptions.
Defensively, Parris Burt led the way with 11 tackles (8 solo) and 3 tackles for loss, while Jackson Davis also had 10 tackles. Lance Timmons had 9 tackles while Drew Douthit and Brian Weiss had sacks.