Thiel downs OC 26-2

Thunder roll up a 31st consecutive loss, still most in Division III

The Yeomen look ahead, always ahead. Despite losing to Thiel College last Saturday 26-6, Oberlin looks forward with optimism towards this week's game against the Hiram College Terriers.

By losing the game against Thiel, Oberlin retained the longest active NCAA Division III losing streak. Thiel poured it on, scoring a touchdown within a minute of start time. They added two more touchdowns before the half for a 20-0 lead.

Oberlin finally got on the scoreboard in the last minute of the third quarter, with an 8-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback James Parker to sophomore wide receiver Anthony Johnson. Thiel finalized their victory with a fourth touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Head coach Pete Peterson felt there was still a good chance of winning in the second half. "The team played hard until the end, and maintained good character throughout the game," Peterson said.

In the pouring rain, the Yeomen faced an opposing crowd of approximately 1,500 and a team with more than twice as many players as Oberlin's.

Seeing opponents in clean jerseys on the field doesn't faze Oberlin players. "We're playing against one player at a time on the field, it doesn't matter how big the team is on the sidelines," said junior guard Chris Lavin.

Lavin expressed disappointment with last Saturday's game, though he said, "It was the first of many chances this season to break the [losing] streak." The Yeomen had an injury-free preseason that took them in to Division III competition with little reason to think they couldn't win.

Oberlin players Parker and junior running backs Brian Salter and John Laird led the offense against Thiel. Salter ran a total 42 yards against Thiel, until he hurt his shoulder in the third quarter. It is uncertain whether Salter will be able to play in the game against Hiram next Saturday.

Laird ran for 37 yards. Peterson cited sophomore tackle's Chris Davis' work on the line.

Oberlin's defense was led by senior Terry Halter with 16 tackles, and first-year John Edmonds with nine.

With a 1995 record of 4-6 overall, and 3-6 in the Ohio Athletic Conference League, Hiram stands to be tough competition for the Yeomen this season.

Hiram College has beaten Oberlin soundly in their last two meetings, with a 57-7 victory in the 1995 season. While viewing a videotape of last year's game against Hiram, Peterson said the Yeomen continue to improve as players and as a team.

"If we play as well as we can play, we should produce a victory against Hiram," Peterson said.

Calling signals: Quarterback James Parker looks over the defense in practice. (photo by Mike Oleson)