Ohio Northern Polar Bears News: Football opens 2023 season with 52-7 loss at No. 24-ranked Alma (Mich.)

By Danielle Daniels

 

September 2, 2023

ALMA, Mich. — Ohio Northern opened its 129th season of football on Saturday, dropping a 52-7 decision at No. 24-ranked Alma (Mich.)

The Basics

  • Records: Ohio Northern (0-1), Alma (Mich.) (1-0)
  • Venue: Bahlke Field, Alma, Mich.

The Game

  • Sophomore Brennan Norris (Stuebenville/Indian Creek) completed 11-of-26 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown for ONU.
  • Freshman Jerome Pettaway (Oregon/Clay) rushed 11 times for 96 yards in his collegiate debut.
  • Junior Dalton Tjong (Cumming, Ga./West Forsythe) had a team-high xx tackles, which included 12 in the first half.
  • Norris hit senior L.J. Payton (Wheelersburg) on a 12-yard TD pass with 12:59 left in the second quarter to get ONU within 13-7.
  • The Scots out-gained the Polar Bears 480-139 in total offense.
  • Alma QB Carter St. John completed 18-of-25 passes for 280 yards and 3 TDs.
  • AC led 13-0 after one quarter, 35-7 at halftime and 45-7 after three quarters.

Notables

  • Ohio Northern is now 22-8 in its last 30 season openers and is 68-56-5 in its 129 season openers.
  • Dean Paul is in his 20th season as a Polar Bear and has a 117-72 career record at ONU.

Up Next

  • The Polar Bears return to action next Saturday when they host Capital in the home opener at 1:30 pm at Dial-Roberson Stadium.

COURTESY ONU SPORTS