Alma, Mich. - The Alma College football team dropped its home opener 31-14 to Baldwin Wallace University (OH) on Saturday (Sept. 7) afternoon at Bahlke Field.

Ryan Stevens (Lowell, Mich. / Lowell) got the start at quarterback; he completed six passes for 114 yards and one touchdown. Joseph Schaefer (Lowell, Mich. / Lowell) led the Scots in receiving with 73 yards and one score. Alma outgained the Yellow Jackets on the ground 114-106. Brendan Hamilton (Cass City, Mich. / Cass City) led the rushing attack with 32 yards on six carries. Austin Spratling (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Wyoming Kelloggsville) added nine rushes for 31 yards.

Baldwin Wallace, one of Division III's top passing offenses, totaled 346 yards through the air, led by quarterback A.J. Miller. Miller threw for two touchdowns, Jon Murray Jr. ran for one, and Darion Greer had the fourth on a punt return.

Trailing 31-0 late in the third quarter, the Scots came up with a defensive stop deep in their own end, forcing BW into a field goal try. The kick was blocked and Max Kretzschmar (Marine City, Mich. / Marine City) returned it 90 yards for a touchdown. It was the second of his career.

On their next possession, the Scots drove 64 yards to the BW 20-yard line where they were met with a 4th and 1. Baldwin Wallace brought pressure with eight players, leaving Schaefer alone as he snuck off the line and got behind the defense for a 20-yard touchdown reception.

Alma was called for just one penalty in the game while the Yellow Jackets were called for five.

The Scots hit the road next week to take on Manchester University (IN). Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m.