TIFFIN -- The Heidelberg University Football team opened the 2025 season with an emphatic 65-27 win over visiting Hiram College on a picturesque Thursday night along the banks of Rock Creek. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: Heidelberg (1-0) didn't punt.  The only non-scoring drives were a botched snap on a field goal and a turnover on downs in the third.  

Beyond that, there was a lot of scoring. And a lot of penalties. A total of 25 penalties and 92 points, to be exact.

Heidelberg scored in all three phases, with seven offensive touchdowns, a fumble recovery in the end zone by Kris Williams, and a 69-yard kickoff return by Tyreese Clearveau.  

Quarterback Ty Poorman was 13-for-23 for 177 yards and two scores and rushed the ball nine times for 41 yards and three touchdowns. 

In the backfield, Drew Miller was a workhorse. He carried the ball 19 times for 88 yards and a touchdown.  A total of 10 receivers caught a pass and eight players had a carry.  

Defensively, Heidelberg held the Terriers to 15 net rushing yards.  Three of Bryant Pfeifer's seven tackles were for a loss, including a sack. Aaryion Manley earned a strip-sack early in the game which resulted in the Williams score. 

Griffin Reese picked off a pass, as Heidelberg won the turnover battle, 3-0. 

Hiram's quarterbacks settled in during the second half, using a couple long passes to do damage in the fourth.  

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:  The 65 points were HU's most since their win against the Terriers in 2023 where they scored 68 points … Williams's fumble recovery for a score was the first of its kind for Heidelberg since Easton St. Clair vs Otterbein on Oct. 14, 2023.  

QUOTES FROM COACH DONALDSON: "All three phases were executed at a very high level. I don't remember the last time we scored on offense, defense, and special teams. It was pretty unbelievable. Not the cleanest game we wanted, a lot to work on this week in practice when it comes to execution. Overall very proud of the way we played. 

… Ty [Poorman] really showed so much leadership tonight and toughness, physical and mental. He really led this team tonight to 65 points …

… Miller had a bunch of rushing yards before being taken out which was amazing. We played seven running backs and they all did well, which shows how powerful our offense is …

We need to clean ourselves up and prepare for the competition coming up in the OAC pipeline, but I really love the way we played tonight." 

UP NEXT: The Student Princes hit the road next week, headed to Ada where they'll battle for the Bendo Bowl trophy against the Ohio Northern Polar Bears. The game will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13th with a 7 p.m. kickoff.