JACKSON POLLARD
PHOTOGRAPHER
JON BEERBOWER
STAFF WRITER
9/25/2023
The Alma College Football team has started off the season 4-0 for the third straight year under veteran head coach and former Scot Jason Couch. After opening with a dominant home win against the Polar Bear from Ohio Northern University 52-7, the Scots jumped on the road to take on Manchester University in Indiana.
The Scots got a head start thanks to a Carter St John (‘26) touchdown pass to Eddie Williams (‘26) in the first two minutes of the game. The Scots kept their foot on the gas scoring four more touchdowns in the first to make the score 41-0 at the half. Backup Trent Devereaux (‘24) combined with Gage Kruger (‘24) for two quick-fire touchdowns going into the break to raise the score to 48-0.
The rest of the game was a defense story. Preston Marlatt (‘26) scooped and scored a 30-yard fumble recovery, followed by a Jamarte Hogan (‘26) pick-six. With the score at 61-0, on the last play of the game, Marlatt once again had a 100-yard scoop and score to the house as time expired to set the Scots up with a 68-0 win and a 2-0 record once again to start the year.
The Scots came into their week three matchup with a #21 ranking nationally in the D3 coaches poll. They took on the Ravens of Anderson University in the Alma College Hall of Fame game on the 100-year anniversary of Bahlke Field. Like the first two games of the season, the theme of the contest was the early offensive start for the Scots.
Zach Poff (‘27) caught his first career TD on a four-yard out route with an NFL-style double toe tap. The Scots allowed their first points in six quarters but the Ravens were no match, and after one the Scots led 29-14. Before half Devon Frenchko (‘24) and St. John combined for the house call to make it 50-14 at half; it was the 5th year’s 3rd touchdown of the season and 9th of his Alma College career.
In the second half, Brian Morgan (‘26) broke off a 14-yard run to the endzone for the first of his college career. The last scoring drive for the Scots came behind the legs of workhorse running-back Cameron Kohl (‘26), who had 63 on the ground that drive but ultimately ended in a Josh Hernandez (‘25) field goal to raise the final score to Alma College: 60, Anderson University: 14.
The Scots were recipients of good news this past week when they were raised to #17 in the AFCA D3 Coaches poll, Alma’s highest ranking in school history. And, this past Saturday, the Scots made the trek to Springfield, OH to take on the Tigers of Wittenberg University, where their record became 4-0 with a win of 48-28.
The Scots will be back at home on Sept. 30 against Trine University in the 2023 homecoming game. Kick-off is at 2 p.m. For more information on scheduling or any of the latest Alma College athletics news, head over to almascots.com
