HIRAM, Ohio — Defense was the name of the game for the Earlham College football team on Saturday as the Quakers defeated Hiram College 10-7 in a North Coast Athletic Conference contest.

Earlham's defense scored the lone touchdown for the Quakers, while the offense produced a field goal. “Our defense bailed us out time and time again,” Earlham Head Coach Gerry Keesling said. “Our defense was exceptional and our offense just wasn't there.

The Quakers had six first downs and 146 total yards with five turnovers. “Not making excuses, but our offense has been battered the last couple of weeks,” Keesling said. “We haven't been at 100 percent since before the Anderson game in the third week of the season.”

“It's a good win for us on the road,” Keesling added. “We had a good defensive game plan and Hiram had the ball a lot, but we only gave up one score.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Earlham kicker Max Crumley-Effinger gave the Quakers a 3-0 advantage with a 35-yard field goal with 4:18 left in the first half. “Max came through for us again,” Keesling said.

Late in the second period, Earlham's Cale Gulliford and Collin Draine combined to change the complexion of the contest. “We had a big hit on the quarterback and caused the fumble that allowed Collin to score a touchdown,” Keesling said.

Gulliford sacked Hiram quarterback Brendan Rehor and forced a fumble that Draine picked up and went 25 yards for a score with 42 seconds remaining in the second period.

Hiram (0-6, 0-4) scored its touchdown midway through the final stanza, but the Quakers were able to stop the Terriers on their final two drives.

Jake Carr led Earlham's defense with 11 tackles. Adam LaFollette and Gulliford added nine tackles apiece. Draine and Ben Randall finished with eight tackles each. LaFollette and Austin Manahan had interceptions.

Bryant Foreman led the Quakers with 47 yards rushing, while Chris Owens had two receptions for 35 yards.

Earlham (3-3, 1-2) returns to action next Saturday against NCAC foe Oberlin College. The Homecoming contest at Darrell Beane Stadium gets underway at 1 p.m. 

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