Robert Kish

Quarterback Robert Kish threw four touchdown passes in his first collegiate start as the Hope College football team claimed a 37-27 win against Augustana (Illinois) on Saturday.

The Flying Dutchmen evened their overall record at 1-1 to thrill a Community Day crowd of 2,459 at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.

Kish completed 24-of-37 passes for 288 yards during the matchup in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association-College Conference of Illinois Wisconsin Challenge Series.

The junior from Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan (Grosse Pointe South HS), connected with eight different receivers, including two touchdowns to junior tight end Jake Helm of Holland, Michigan (Holland HS).

Helm caught touchdown passes of 17 yards and 9 yards during the first quarter to stake Hope to a 13-7 lead.

Junior receiver Matt Kroll of Grand Haven, Michigan (Grand Haven HS), recorded game-highs with eight receptions for 145 yards. Kroll hauled in a juggling 11-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter that pushed Hope's lead to 30-20.

Kish also found senior receiver Taylor Brynaert of Washington, Michigan (Romeo HS), for a leaping 20-yard, third-quarter touchdown in the corner of the end zone. Brynaert had six receptions for 65 yards.

Senior fullback Bill Brown of Lawton, Michigan (Lawton HS) capped Hope's scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run with 10:42 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Flying Dutchmen converted all six of their chances in the red zone. They did not commit a turnover after having seven last week in a loss at Monmouth (Illinois). 

Senior linebacker Cody Lindemulder of Mulliken, Michigan (Lake Odessa HS), topped the Hope defense with 8 1/2 tackles and one interception.

Hope continues nonleague play next Saturday, Sept. 20, when it travels to Lakeland (Wisconsin) for the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association-Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference crossover.