TIFFIN -- Boom.
With an arsenal of cannons surrounding the field as part of the marching band's halftime performance, the Heidelberg University football team outlasted Otterbein University, 48-45 in overtime.
In a shootout under the lights at Hoernemann Stadium, junior Austin Baker played the role of hero, making a career-long 34-yard field goal in the extra period.
The win brings the Rhine River Cup back to Tiffin for the sixth time in the past seven seasons. Heidelberg improves to 5-1, 4-1 in conference action. The Cardinals drop to 4-2, 3-2 in the OAC.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Spencer Blevins caught his first career touchdown pass three minutes into the game off a 14-yard pass from Tyler Stoyle. The score capped off a seven-play, 75-yard drive with HU drawing first blood.
The Cardinals capitalized on an interception and used a 76-yard drive to even the score at seven. HU responded on the ensuing possession, which resulted in a 2-yard touchdown rush from Cameron Vocke.
Vocke's work was not done, as the senior put the Student Princes up 21-7. The 1-yard rush came on the first play of the second quarter. Three plays later, Otterbein used a 59-yard run from Logan Stepp to bring the score to 21-14 with 13:37 before the half
An electrifying 73-yard touchdown pass to Demetrius Magee extended the Heidelberg lead to 28-14. The crowd was quickly silenced when Otterbein's Julian Lowe returned the kickoff for a touchdown, cutting the deficit back to seven.
Vocke added his third touchdown of the half with 3:29 before the break, but Otterbein answered on the next possession with a touchdown of its own. Vocke finished the night with 99 yards rushing.
After an interception, the Cardinals threatened to score in the final minute of the half. A 34-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Ahkil McGill, allowing HU to ride a wave of momentum going into halftime.
In the third, Stoyle found Magee for a second time in the corner of the end zone, completing a 99-yard drive, pushing the lead to 42-28.
After two Cardinal touchdowns evened the score at 42, the Berg was forced to settle for a 25-yard field goal. Baker's kick sailed through the uprights, pushing the Berg back in front, 45-42, with less than five minutes remaining.
With eight seconds on the clock, Otterbein's David Hoyle nailed a 49-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. The kick combined with a defensive stop paved the way for Baker's heroics.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Baker's kick may have been salvaged from holder Trace Reynolds. The snap skipped to Reynolds, who made a beautiful recovery allowing for Baker to make the kick.
Stoyle, with 489 yards passing set a new career high. It breaks the senior's previous record set in his debut against Otterbein on Oct 3, 2015. It was the first time a Berg quarterback threw for 400+ yards since Michael Mees accomplished the feat in 2014.
Heidelberg racked up 647 yards of total offense, the most since a 40-21 win at ONU in Week Two.
For the second time this season, Heidelberg had two receivers finish with over 100 yards. Magee (166) and Tony Morris (113) led the HU corps. The duo accomplished the feat in the 36-13 win at Muskingum.
Trevor Summers led the defense with eight total tackles. Austin Crow added seven tackles, including two for loss.
It was the first overtime game played since Sept. 3, 2011 when the Student Princes knocked off Alma, 34-28.
NOTABLE QUOTES
"It was the greatest football game I've ever been a part of in my life," said head coach Scott Donaldson. "The heart on both sides of the ball was unbelievable tonight."
Donaldson on Baker's performance: "Baker has been great for us all year … I knew we had a great shot at winning when he came in to kick."
Baker on the game-winning kick: "Our defense put us in a place to win after that stop … It was a great hold and I'm really happy with the result."
UP NEXT
The Berg travels to Marietta College (3-3, 2-3 OAC) for a matchup with the Pioneers next week. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.