Wolverines secure win on Homecoming against Bethany
By Natalie Hanna · Sports Editor
Sophomore quarterback Mike Hollomon threw a record-tying five touchdowns Saturday night at the Homecoming game, resulting in a 40-20 victory in Grove City’s first PAC matchup, bringing the team to a 2-2 record.
After an impressive 59-yard kickoff return from junior Noah Wheeler, the Wolverines made quick work of pushing the ball down the line for their first touchdown of the night. Only 3:39 into the game, the team completed a six-play, 37-yard drive with a 17-yard touchdown reception from sophomore wide receiver Kaden Spencer.
Following a short possession and shanked punt by Bethany, Grove City began its next drive at the Bethany 37, quickly converting four plays into a 27-yard reception in the endzone from senior receiver Darviae Gray.
Gray completed his second touchdown pass of the night with 12:07 remaining in the half, the seven-yard play extending the Wolverines’ lead to 20-7. Senior wide receiver Seth McGroerty also caught a three-yard touchdown pass, Grove City’s fourth of the night, with 0:26 on the clock. The Wolverines led 30-7 at the half.
“Getting my eyes off myself and just focusing on Christ helped me play great,” Gray said. “It’s just a blessing being able to previously take a year off and come back to this team as a senior and contribute the way I did, through God, through Christ. It has just been the biggest blessing of my life to just help the team and represent all the people before me.”
The first points of the second half came in the fourth quarter with the Wolverines’ final touchdown of the night from freshman running back Nico Casciato.
“It was an incredible feeling to score my first college touchdown in front of a large crowd, especially knowing so many people there helped build this program brick by brick,” Casciato said.
Hollomon became the third Grove City quarterback to throw five touchdown passes in one game. Current head coach Andrew DiDonato first set the record against Carnegie Mellon in 2009, and Josh Ehst tied him five years ago in an ECAC bowl victory over Utica.
“Being able to serve this team as quarterback is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hollomon said. “This program has already done so much for me, long before I took a meaningful snap, that I am indebted to it, and any opportunity I get to give back is an honor and a privilege.”
Hollomon threw for 196 yards, completing 20 passes on 33 attempts. Spencer and Gray led receivers by catching six passes for 58 yards and five passes for 64 yards, respectively. Gray contributed two touchdowns, and Spencer added one.
The Wolverines also totaled 171 rushing yards. In addition to closing out Grove City’s scoring with his touchdown reception, Casciato had 12 carries for 79 yards. Sophomore running back Braxtyn Brown also recorded a career-high 54 yards on 11 rushes.
“Every position group on our team has a specific position vision, and for running backs, it’s simple: find green grass,” Casciato said on strategy. “Knowing that my coaches trust me and have confidence in my abilities allows me to play fast, full and free, which play a big role in the game.”
Sophomore kicker Brady Lane made four of five extra point attempts and went 1-for-1 on field goals. Senior Devon Thomas made one field goal in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, sophomore linebackers Aiden Kitts and Andrew Moberg led the team with nine and seven tackles, respectively. Moberg had three tackles for loss, while Kitts had one. Wheeler also had six tackles. Sophomore cornerback Cameron Epps recorded the lone interception in the third quarter.
The Wolverines will travel to New Wilmington, Pa. to play Westminster for their second conference game of the season at 7 p.m. Saturday.
“We take this game very seriously and have great respect for them, but as always, our focus will be on our vision,” Hollomon said. “Our goal is to grow deeper in it every day and, as a result of that, bring our best to the Titans.”
