Box Score HIRAM -- Tailback Montavious Yearby scored five touchdowns as the Heidelberg University football team dismantled host Hiram College in the 2023 season opener, 68-14. Having lost nearly half of their 2022 starters to graduation, the Student Princes looked sharp in all phases.  

Yearby finished with 126 yards on 18 carries -- his 16th career 100+ yard performance. His five touchdowns tied a Heidelberg record for TDs in a game, joining Cartel Brooks (vs OTT in 2013 and vs. BW in 2014), Dwight Haley (at JCU in 1930) and Demetrius Magee (vs. Capital in 2017).  

After the defense forced a three-and-out, the inexperienced Heidelberg's offense answered a lot of doubters with a nine-play, 65-yard touchdown drive that culminated in an eight-yard touchdown rush by Yearby.  A surprise two-point conversion attempt came up inches short.  

Later in the first, defensive lineman Luke Benitez notched HU's first interception of the season, catching a deflected ball near midfield. On the ensuing possession, the Student Princes converted two third downs on their way to another touchdown. TJ Rhamy plunged in from a yard out before Branden Steckel added an extra point.  

On the next 'Berg possession, Cole Poorman hauled in a 40-yard reception to move the ball across midfield. Near the end of the quarter, Dylan Drake staked an early claim for play of the year with a leaping, one-handed grab.  The drive ended with another Yearby touchdown -- a one-yard score.  

The Terriers got on the board with an 11-play, 73-yard drive, cutting Heidelberg's lead to 20-7 with 8:55 to play in the second.  

A 13-yard reception by Ithan Cholewa helped HU convert a fourth down as the Student Princes answered with a 10-play, 71-yard drive.  Yearby secured the hat trick with his third score of the game, a one-yard score.  

Elijah Hodge Jr. blocked a Terrier punt on the next Hiram possession, setting up yet another Yearby score.  Steckel's fourth PAT gave HU a 34-7 lead, which they carried into halftime.  

Yearby capped his day with a 59-yard breakaway touchdown on the opening possession of the second half.  

The Terriers found their biggest highlight of the game with a pick-six midway through the third, but still trailed, 41-14.  

Rhamy scored his second touchdown of the game on the next drive, breaking tackles along the 'Berg sideline and slipping free for a 56-yard reception.  Later, a 41-yard punt return by Jo Norris III set up an 18-yard touchdown pass to Ithan Cholewa.

The fourth quarter featured a pair of Steckel field goals from 31 and 48 yards out and a rushing touchdown from freshman tailback Korbyn Haley.

Sims finished with 307 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-32 passing, eclipsing the 300-yard mark for the sixth time.  

Trey Farris led the defense with a career-high eight tackles, including two for a loss.  

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:  

Yearby was the first 'Berg player with five rushing touchdowns since Cartel Brooks had five in a 52-20 win over BW in 2014 ... … Now with 37 career rushing touchdowns, Yearby moved into third place on the Heidelberg career list -- trailing Cartel Brooks (63 from 2011-14) and Walt Livingston (45 from 1953-56) … Heidelberg surpassed the 60-point plateau for the first time since a 66-13 win over Capital in the spring of 2021.   

UP NEXT:  

Heidelberg will sit idle for week two, returning to action on Sept. 16 at Ohio Northern.