TIFFIN, Ohio - September 4, 2025 - Hiram found sparks of momentum throughout its season opener at Heidelberg, but ultimately lost by a score of 65-27 on Thursday evening at Hoernemann Stadium. The game marked the official beginning of the 2025 campaign for the Terriers, who have returned to full-time PAC status for the first time since 1989.
Quarterback Sean Tejeda ignited those sparks, finding sophomore receiver Jamal Van Irvin for a 27-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter and freshman Devin Tufts for a 35-yard TD at the end of the third quarter. Tejeda finished with 278 yards on 23-of-33 passing in his first game with the team since the 2023 campaign, while Tufts and Jordan Stapleton had 102 and 68 receiving yards respectively.
Heidelberg held the momentum for most of the contest, jumping out to a 30-0 lead in the middle stages of the second quarter thanks to three rushing touchdowns and a defensive touchdown on a sack fumble in the end zone. For the game, the Berg had nine touchdowns.
The Terriers made their move on the ensuing possession, piecing together a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to crack the scoring column and halt the charge from the Student Princes. Tejeda completed seven of his eight passes during that drive, which included a 25-yard connection with Tufts and the 27-yard touchdown to Van Irvin.
The score stood at 30-7 at the intermission.
During the Terriers' second drive of the third quarter, Tejeda found more of those chunk plays to give his offense some hope, as he led a 54-yard drive to put the offense in opposing territory. Stapleton had two catches for 48 yards during the possession, but a Heidelberg interception kept the Hiram offense from scoring.
Hiram finished the game on a high note, executing on three of its final possessions of the contest, with Tejeda finding Tufts for a 35-yard touchdown and Ammaar Lakes leading a pair of scoring drives – both of which were 75 yards – to make a splash in his collegiate debut at the quarterback position.
With 35 points of second-half offense, Heidelberg had enough breathing room to hold on for the victory.
Hiram will get an extended break before returning to the gridiron on Saturday, September 13 for its home opener against Oberlin. Kickoff is slated for a 6 p.m. start at Henry Field in Hiram, OH.
