OVERVIEW:
Great Midwest football programs registered an overall record of 3-5 during week two of the 2025 season. The G-MAC defeated teams from the MEC and GLIAC, with Ohio Dominican, Findlay, and Northwood each contributing to the win total. Conference play will being Saturday, September 20.
 
SCOREBOARD:
Thursday, September 11
Ohio Dominican 31 at West  Virginia Wesleyan  0

Saturday, September 13
            Findlay 7 vs. Wayne State 3
            Hillsdale 21 vs. Michigan Tech 34
            Thomas More 26 at University of Indianapolis 33
            Lake Erie 31 vs Wheeling 35
            Tiffin 34 at No. 1 Ferris State 41
            Northwood 38 at Saginaw Valley State 14
            Kentucky Wesleyan 21 at William Jewell 48
 
 
GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

• In their season opener, the Ohio Dominican Panthers put on a dominant performance in a 31-0 shutout against West Virginia Wesleyan. Quarterback Drew Gallehue was 14-of-17 for 202 yards and one touchdown. A trio of Panthers contributed to 203 yards rushing, including Markquan Rucker, Isaiah Schmidtke, and Nathan Webster. Rucker led the way with 14 carries for 70 yards. On the other side of the ball, the ODU held WVWU to just 73 yards rushing and 105 yards of total offense. Harlee Hanna, Gabe Pence, and Jace Schaefer all led with four tackles each.
• The Oilers improved to 2-0 on the season with a 7-3 win over Wayne State. Christian Davis recorded the lone touchdown of the day with a 16-yard run to cap off a 90-yard drive by the Findlay offense. The Oiler defense stood their ground, led by Sam Weihrauch who recorded ten tackles, including two tackles for-loss. Junior punter Owen Clevenger registered five punts that totaled 215 yards to help UF win the battle of field possession.
• The Northwood Timberwolves defeated crosstown rival Saginaw Valley State to claim victory in the annual Axe Bowl. The Timberwolves jumped to a 28-0 lead before the Cardinals finally scored in the third quarter. Ethan Hamby was credited with three touchdowns, going 19-of-32 on the day for 241 yards. Defensive Player of the Week Cole Simpson finished with five tackles, a pair of interceptions, and one tackle for loss. Northwood’s 24-point margin of victory is the second largest in Axe Bowl history.
• Despite a hard-fought battle, the Tiffin University Dragons came up short against No. 1 Ferris State. Down 35-14 at the half, Tiffin came out swinging in the second half, outscoring the bulldogs 20-6. A 78-yard TU drive ended with a Ronald Blackman touchdown to ignite Tiffin’s comeback. Dennis Crawford blocked a Ferris State field that would end up in a scoop-and-score by Special Teams Player of the Week Malik Baker. Quarterback Alex Johnson finished the game going 24-of-37 for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
• Ashland defensive standout Michael Shimek shined once again in a 33-26 loss to UIndy. He finished with four solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. His 6 ½ sacks is tied for the most in the NCAA at all three levels. 

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS:

• Passing: Alex Johnson, TU (296.5 yards/ game )
• Rushing: Jake Gill, WU (106 yards / game)
• Receiving: Camron Brogan, KWC (96.5 yards / game)
• Tackles: Elijah Manning, TMU (13 tackles / game)
• Tackles for loss: Michael Shimek, AU (6.5)
• Sacks: Michael Shimek, AU (6.5)
• Interceptions: Cole Simpson, NU (3)
• Scoring: Drew Cady, NU (19 Points)
• Field Goals: Drew Cady, NU (50-yard field goal)
• Punting: Joseph Weiers, TU (44.6 yards / punt)
• Returns: Carter Minix, NU (97 46.7 yards/ return)

 
UP NEXT:
Week 2 Matchups
 
Saturday, September 20
Northwood vs. Thomas More, Noon ET
Ohio Dominican vs. Tiffin, Noon ET
Kentucky Wesleyan vs. Walsh, 1 P.M. ET
Lake Erie vs. Wheeling, 4 P.M. ET
Ashland vs. Hillsdale, 1 P.M. ET
Lake Erie vs. Findlay, 2 P.M. ET