DELAWARE, Ohio – October 26, 2024 – The Hiram defense continued to make its presence felt in a big way on Saturday at Selby Stadium, as
Navion Steadman had a 10-yard fumble recovery touchdown and
Ricardo Jimenez had a 19-yard fumble recovery touchdown in a 41-14 loss to Ohio Wesleyan.
The two defensive touchdowns now give the Terriers four defensive touchdowns this season. Hiram also ranks first in the NCAC with seven fumbles recovered through six games in 2024.
It was a low-scoring affair in the first quarter, with there being three straight punts on the opening three drives. An OWU interception broke that rhythm and eventually set up the Battling Bishops for a one-yard touchdown run by Maxton Brunner.
Dakota VanOss finished the first quarter on a high note, punting the ball 40 yards to the opposing four-yard line. That favorable field position proved to be critical, as Hiram's
Kade Scott started the second quarter by forcing the ball lose from the OWU offense and giving Steadman all he needed for the scoop-and-score touchdown. It marked the first career touchdown for Steadman, who is the only student-athlete on the roster to have multiple fumble recoveries this season.
Turnovers continued to be an issue for both teams, as a pair of Hiram fumbles allowed for the Battling Bishops to gain valuable field position and score the final 14 points of the half. OWU led at the intermission, 21-7.
Hiram found a spark in the third quarter, with Jimenez intercepting a pass at midfield and returning it 40 yards to the OWU 10-yard line to put the Terriers in prime position to make it a one-possession game. Hiram's ensuing drive stalled at the four-yard line, though, keeping the score at 21-7.
Ohio Wesleyan scored another seven points off a Hiram turnover to extend the lead to 21 points at the end of the third quarter.
Jimenez's career day was capped off by a fumble recovery in opposing territory, with freshman
Jonathan McKean forcing a fumble and Jimenez running it 19 yards to the end zone to make it a 18-24 game. Jimenez now has four career takeaways, with the fumble recovery marking his first ever collegiate touchdown.
The Battling Bishops scored the final 13 points in the game, as their offense found a groove in front of a home crowd of over 1,700 fans.
Next, Hiram will head home and host Wooster this upcoming Saturday at 12 p.m. from Henry Field in Hiram, Ohio.
