GREENCASTLE, Indiana - September 16, 2023 - The Hiram football team lost to DePauw on Saturday afternoon, 49-0, in what marked the beginning to the team's season against NCAC competition.

The Terriers defense was competitive throughout the game, holding its opposition to just one score in the first and fourth quarters. Gavin Cruser recorded a team-high 10 tackles, which also marked the second-most tackles in a single game of his career. Dylan Baliker and Vance Boyd were right behind their teammate with 7 tackles apiece.

On the offensive end, Raequan Davis-Hereford had 8 receptions for 86 yards, while Anthony Sessi reeled in a 32-yard reception, the longest catch of the day for the Terriers.

Hiram played well in the first quarter, with the score remaining 0-0 through the 11 minutes of game time. DePauw would eventually break through on a 37-yard TD pass, but that was the only offense early on.

The Tigers would have another pair of explosive plays in the second quarter thanks to a 24-yard touchdown pass and 55-yard touchdown run to carve out a three-possession lead. Hiram had a 13-play drive in the quarter, but came up just short of scoring points.

The second half saw Hiram play steady defense, with a stop on fourth down and a forced punt over DePauw's first two drives in the third quarter. The defensive unit had another two stops in the fourth quarter to end the week on a good note.

A great chance to bounce back presents itself when Hiram plays host to Denison next Saturday at 1 p.m. from Henry Field in Hiram, Ohio.