ALMA, Mich. — The Alma College Football team took on Trine University on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Bahlke Field. The Scots dropped to the Thunder 37-23. Alma stands 1-4 in the conference and 5-4 overall. 

Before the game, Alma College honored the contributions of local area veterans with a ceremonial Presentation of Colors and coin toss. The Scots also honored senior members of the football team who were playing in their last home game.  

The Scots took an early lead off a pick-six in the first quarter by Jack Kretzschmar, who ran 19 yards into the end zone. Joshua Hernandez tacked on an extra point to put Alma up 7-0. Later in the quarter, the Scots put themselves near scoring position when Odin Soffredine forced a fumble, which was recovered by Trevor Underhill. On the ensuing possession, Kaleb Kindsvatter kicked a 43-yard field goal to put Alma up 10-0. 

Trine found the lead in the second quarter with back-to-back touchdowns and went into halftime with the lead, 13-10. The Thunder kept their lead in the third quarter with two pick-sixes and a punt return for a touchdown to go up, 34-10.

Alma did not give up. A blocked punt by Nahuel Juarez allowed Alma to score a touchdown and move the score to 34-16. Trine kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter to push the score to 37-16, but the Scots found the end zone one more time off a nine-yard pass from Jax Kinninger to Gage Krueger to end the scoring at 37-23.  

Kinninger finished the game 4-for-8 with 64 passing yards. Vernonelle Smith Jr. led with 24 rushing yards and Gage Krueger caught two passes for 20 yards. Soffredine finished with a game-high 12 tackles, followed by four from Connor Douma. Douma also notched an interception. 

"To go up 10-0 was fantastic. We struggled a little bit offensively to sustain first downs and keep drives going. Our defense kept plugging away and played well," said head coach Jason Couch. 

"We have a longstanding rivalry game next week. It's an opportunity for us to go out with a winning record and for our seniors to go out on a positive note in their season. Our only option is to work hard and go out with a fight." 

Next, the Scots head to Albion College on Nov. 13 for their final game of the season.  

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, schedules, scores, recaps and more by downloading the official mobile app for Alma College Athletics. Search "Alma Scots Front Row" in the Apple App Store or on Google Play and download today for free.