Football dominates first home game

KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER

KATELYN THOMAS
STAFF WRITER

9/22/2025

Alma College’s Football Team had a successful home opener against Denison University on Saturday September 13.

The Scots won 53-27. Coming off of a hard loss the previous week, Scots were determined to clean up and perfect their craft going into week two.

“I’m happy with our effort and how we cleaned up some of the mistakes we made during week one. Being home was great. Our fans were loud, and the atmosphere was incredible. I look forward to being home again this week,” said Coach Jason Couch (‘97).

Alma had just under 300 passing yards. The majority of them were from Carter St. John (‘26), with 23 attempts and 15 completions.

Offensively the Scots had a total of 288 rushing yards throughout Saturday’s performance. Eddie Williams (‘26) lead with 151 yards. Followed by Brian Morgan (‘26) for 74 rushing yards.

Zach Poff (‘26) lead the team in receiving yards, he collected 99 yards. Sam Couch (‘27) collected 74 receiving yards and Cooper Keene (‘27) for 45 receiving yards.

“This year’s culture is a lot better than previous years it is positive and hungry because we fell short last year. Our practices have been better and the atmosphere is arguably the best it’s been since I’ve been here, our team is very close despite there being so many of us,” said defensive tackle Blake Swiger (‘26).

On defense, Jett King (‘27) lead the Scots with two solo tackles and six assisted tackles for a total of eight tackles. Ryan Kugelman (‘26) also collected two solo tackles and four assisted tackles for a total of six tackles. Brock Beaudrie (‘26) followed the pair with 2 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles for a total of five tackles throughout Saturday’s performance.

“My mindset this season is to dominate and be physically impaling to my opponent as well as win. Win each rep. Win each day. Win a conference championship. Win a national championship. That’ll be a great way to go out,” said defensive back, Ja’martae Hogan (‘26).

For entertainment before the game the Kiltie Dancers performed the Alma College fight song twice.

“I love dancing out on the field. It’s so much fun, and it gives fans who may not normally come to a dance concert the chance to see what Highland dance is like. There is way more energy at a football game than on stage for a performance,” said Noel Nelson (‘27).

Throughout the matchup and during halftime there were performances by the Alma College Dance Team, and the Cheer and Stunt Team. This non-conference game has given the team momentum to carry them into Saturday’s non-conference game against Hanover University. Scots will face the Panthers at Bahlke Field.

At the time of this publication, the score of the Sept. 20th game was not known. The Scots are currently 1-1 and begin conference play on Saturday, September 27, against Hope College, who are currently ranked 15th in the nation.