OVERVIEW: Week 2 of the 2026 football season saw four Great Midwest Athletic Conference teams earn victories, highlighted by dominant defensive performances from Findlay and Hillsdale and another Axe Bowl victory for Northwood. Lake Erie improved to 2-0 after a 23-7 win over Wheeling.
 
SCOREBOARD:
Northwood 35, Saginaw Valley 28
Dayton 30, Thomas More 7
Findlay 37, Fairmont State 17
Hillsdale 49, Wayne State 0
Lake Erie 23, Wheeling 7
William Jewell 35, Kentucky Wesleyan 14
Grand Valley 20, Ashland 10
 
INSIDE THE GAMES:
 

• No. 10 Findlay continued its strong start to the 2026 season with a 37-17 victory over Fairmont State in its home opener. The Oilers jumped out to a 21-3 halftime advantage and pulled away late to secure the win.Quarterback Chase Harrison connected with Delon Hurt for two touchdowns, while Christian Davis added a 24-yard rushing touchdown. Findlay's defense once again made its presence felt, helping the Oilers move to 2-0 on the season.
• Hillsdale delivered one of the most dominant performances of the weekend, shutting out Wayne State, 49-0. The Chargers scored 14 points in each of the first three quarters before adding another touchdown in the fourth. Hillsdale delivered one of the most dominant performances of the weekend, shutting out Wayne State, 49-0. The Chargers scored 14 points in each of the first three quarters before adding another touchdown inthe fourth.
• Northwood secured bragging rights once again in the Axe Bowl, defeating rival Saginaw Valley State, 35-28, for its third consecutive Axe Bowl victory.Quarterback Ethan Hamby put together a standout performance, completing 37-of-45 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a score. Northwood scored late to take the lead for good before its defense held off a final Saginaw Valley State threat.
• Lake Erie improved to 2-0 with a convincing 23-7 road victory over Wheeling. The Storm held Wheeling scoreless over the final three quarters, turning a 7-7 game into a 16-point victory. Curtis Thomas provided the spark in the third quarter, returning the opening kickoff of the second half 100 yard touchdown. 

 
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS:

• Rushing: Ronald Blackman, TU (124.0 yards per game)
• Passing: Ethan Hamby, NU (159.2 yards per game)
• Receiving: Delon Hurt, UF (102.5 yards per game)
• Scoring: Jake Gill, WU (15.0 points per game)
• Kick Returns: Brandon Martin, NU (29.8 yards per return)
• Punt Returns: Trey West, TU (23.0 yards per return)
• Punting: Alex Schattin, TU (46.5 yards per punt)

 
UP NEXT:
 
Saturday, September 19
Northwood vs. Hillsdale, Noon ET
Kentucky Wesleyan vs. Findlay, 1 P.M. ET
Ashland vs. Ohio Dominican, 1 P.M. ET
Tiffin vs. Thomas More, 4 P.M. ET
Walsh vs. Lake Erie, 7 P.M. ET