OVERVIEW:
Great Midwest football programs registered an overall record of 6-3 during week one of the 2025 season. The G-MAC defeated teams from MEC, GLIAC, PSAC, andthe GLVC, including an upset over No. 17 University of Indianapolis
 
SCOREBOARD:
Thursday, September 4
Tiffin 34 at Wayne State 7
            Ashland 13 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) 9

Saturday, September 6
            Findlay 38 vs. No. 17 University of Indianapolis 35
            Northwood 23 vs. Northern Michigan 23
            Thomas More 0 at Dayton 38
            Hillsdale 22 at McKendree 17
            Kentucky Wesleyan 7 vs. No. 6 West Florida 28
            Lake Erie 6 vs. No. 1 Ferris State 63
            Walsh 31 at Wheeling 15
 
 
GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Ashland University Eagles moved up to No. 20 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) poll after a 13-9 win over PSAC member IUP. Defensive Player of the Week Michael Shimek led an Eagle defense that forced the Crimson Hawks to record -15 rushing yards. Shimek nearly broke his single-game sack record with 3.5 sacks.
• Tiffin University dominated Wayne State in their season opener 34-7. Alex Johnson, Tyrese Banks-Dorn, and Ethan Holbrook were each credited with at least one touchdown apiece. Holbrook was named the special teams player of the week after registering 169 all-purpose yards, including an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown. Quarterback Alex Johnson was 22-28 on the day for 253 yards.
• The Oilers from the University of Findlay upset No. 17 UIndy Saturday by a score of 38-35. This is the Oilers’ first win against a ranked opponent since 2009. Offensive Player of the Week Bryan Hunt put the Oilers on the board first with a 34-yard rushing touchdown. Hunt recorded four receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown. Christion Stokes led the Findlay defense with nine total tackles, including five solo tackles.
• Northwood’s Carter Minix opened the second half of a 23-18 win over Northern Michigan with a 97-yard kickoff return to extend the Timberwolves’ lead 20-8.
• Jalen Baker led the Kentucky Wesleyan defense with 10 tackles against No. 6 West Florida.
• Colin McKernan from Hillsdale passed for connected on three Charger touchdowns for 255 yards.
• Walsh’s Hayden Wickard continues to lead the league in passing with 268 yards per game. Wickard recorded 314 yards, including three touchdowns in a win over Wheeling.  

 
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS:

• Passing: Hayden Wickard, WU (268 yards/ game )
• Rushing: Christian Davis, UF (109 yards / game)
• Receiving: Jonathan Merrimee, AU (124 yards / game)
• Tackles: Elijah Manning, TMU (13 tackles / game)
• Sacks: Michael Shimek, AU (3.5 sacks/game)
• Scoring: Jonathan Merrimee, AU (24 Points)
• Kicking: Drew Cady, NU (3/3 field goals)
• Punting: Owen Clevenger, UF (45.0 yards / punt)
• Returns: Carter Minix, NU (97 yard kickoff return)

 
UP NEXT:
Week 2 Matchups
Thursday, September
Ohio Dominican at West Virginia Wesleyan, 6:30 P.M. ET
 
Saturday, September 13
Findlay vs. Wayne State, Noon ET
Hillsdale vs. Michigan Tech, 1 P.M. ET
No. 20 Ashland at Indianapolis, 2 P.M. ET
Lake Erie vs. Wheeling, 4 P.M. ET
Tiffin at No. 1 Ferris State, 6 P.M. ET
Northwood at Saginaw Valley, 6 P.M. ET
Kentucky Wesleyan at William Jewell, 7 P.M. ET