OBERLIN, Ohio - November 16, 2024 - Hiram dropped a close battle with Oberlin on Saturday afternoon at Dick Bailey Field, holding the Yeomen to just three points for the entirety of the second half but losing, 20-17.
The Terriers came just inches away from taking the lead late, with Jordan Stapleton displaying his route-running abilities and getting a pair of targets in the end zone in the fourth quarter. A 40-yard throw from Jaden Jennings nearly found a diving Stapleton with under two minutes to play, but the receiver's outstretched hands fell just short of making a game-winning play.
Stapleton finished with six receptions for 53 yards, while Jairus Green had six catches for 76 yards – including the team's longest play of the game, a 47-yard strike in the third quarter that led to an RJ Johnson rushing touchdown from seven yards out. Johnson tallied 62 rushing yards in the game, adding to his team-high total of 249 this season.
Hiram's first 10 points in the game were courtesy of special teams and a balanced attack both on the run and through the air. The team's first touchdown was a two-yard touchdown pass from Jennings to Dylan Hargas, cutting a 14-0 deficit to 14-7. The scoring drive was just two plays long, as CC Harrison blocked an Oberlin punt at the one-yard line to put his team's offense in great position to get back in the game.
The Terriers added another three points on an 11-play, 78-yard drive over 6:14 of game time in the second quarter. Highlighted by a 27-yard completion up the middle to Dylan Hargas, the drive ended on a 19-yard field goal by freshman Michael Myers.
Oberlin won the game thanks to an early pair of touchdowns, 155 rushing yards and a time of strong time of possession advantage (roughly 38 minutes to 22 minutes). The Yeomen secured the win on an interception on a "Hail Mary" attempt to the end zone as time expired.
The Terriers defense didn't allow a touchdown for the final 44 minutes of game time, with the unit being led by Kole Tarary (18 tackles) and Gavin Cruser (16 tackles). Tarary's 18 tackles mark a new career-high and is tied for the eighth-most in a single game in program history.
Hiram will close out its season next Saturday, with the makeup of its previously scheduled game against Wittenberg scheduled for a 3 p.m. start time from Henry Field in Hiram, Ohio.
