by Alan Babbitt

On One Big Weekend at Hope College, three big defensive plays proved game-saving for the Flying Dutchmen football team.

Big might not cover it fully. They were enormous.

Hope earned a 19-7 victory against Adrian College on Saturday by denying the Bulldogs three times in the red zone, including twice inside the 5-yard line on back-to-back third-quarter possessions.

Daniel Romano's career-high 244-yard rushing performance — tying for ninth all-time in Flying Dutchmen history — was critical, too, on a rainy and challenging afternoon at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.

Yet, without denying Adrian scoring opportunities — particularly in the second half with the game hanging in the balance — the Flying Dutchmen might not have enjoyed Homecoming and Family Weekend as much as they did.

Now, Hope heads into an October 30 game at Alma College tied atop the MIAA standings with Trine University at 3-0. The Flying Dutchmen are 5-1 overall and owners of a four-game winning streak.

"Our defense was phenomenal," head coach Peter Stuursma said. "They stood on their heads. They were just lasered in. I'm proud of the way they played."

Watch an interview with Daniel Romano

Two goal-line stands late in the second half proved to be enormous for Hope.

First, defensive lineman Marcus Arens (Rockford, Michigan / Caledonia), pictured, ripped the ball away from running back Steven Moses at the Hope 4-yard line on a second-down carry. Holding onto a 13-7 lead, the Flying Dutchmen took over possession with 3 ½ minutes remaining in the third quarter.

After a short drive and Hope's fumbled punt attempt, Adrian (4-4, 2-2 MIAA) took over at the Flying Dutchmen 18-yard line.

Two plays later, the Bulldogs had 1st-and-goal at the 3-yard line. Hope kept Adrian out of the end zone, with the final stop on 4th-and-goal at the 1 when linebacker Jeremiah Purnell (Dorr, Michigan / Wyoming), safety Dylan Green (Vandalia, Michigan / Ross Beatty) and others stopped quarterback Jack Wurzer's plunge behind center.

The Flying Dutchmen allowed Adrian to convert only one of four fourth-down attempts in the game.

In the first quarter, cornerback Ryan Young (Plymouth, Michigan / Salem) knocked down Wurzer's pass to Smith in the corner of the end zone on 4th-and-1 at the Hope 6-yard line.

Hope's defense also set up the Flying Dutchmen's first touchdown.

Safety Toby Hulst (Caledonia, Michigan / South Christian) forced Adrian receiver Preston Smith to fumble after a second-down reception. Purnell recovered at the Adrian 18-yard line. 

Two plays later, quarterback Chase Brown (Comstock Park, Michigan / Comstock Park) found H-Back Lou Baechler (Plymouth, Michigan / Canton) in the right flat for a 10-yard touchdown 5 ½ minutes into the first quarter for a 6-0 lead after a failed PAT kick.

In the second quarter, Hope forced Adrian to go three-and-out after the Bulldogs intercepted Brown for the third consecutive series.

Four plays later, running back Brandon Anderson (Cassopolis, Michigan / Ross Beatty) took a handoff from Brown and sprinted down the Flying Dutchmen sideline for a 61-yard touchdown. Dylan Hillger (Holly, Michigan / Lake Fenton) kicked the PAT for a 13-7 lead with 8 ½ minutes remaining in the first half.

Hope would not score again until the 1:23 mark of the fourth quarter.

With a 38-yard gallop to the end zone, Romano (Royal Oak, Michigan / Shrine Catholic), pictured, sealed the victory and joined Mason Opple (2018 vs. Olivet and Dan Bloemers (2003 vs. Tri-State) as 244-yard rushers.

Hope's Single-Game Rushing Leaders

"Dan was carrying the mail," Stuursma said. "Our guys were opening some holes, too. I've got to give our offensive line credit."