ALMA, Mich. – The Alma College football team lost its season opener on Saturday to the Adrian College Bulldogs, 21-6, at Bahlke Field. The game was Alma's first game since November 16, 2019.  

Joey Fosmore made his first career start at quarterback for the Scots. The sophomore threw for 134 yards and ran for 22 yards. Nathan Goralski led the team with 43 yards. Elijah Jackson made three receptions for 45 yards.

On the defensive side, Odin Soffredine had a game-high 13 tackles and a forced fumble. Ryan Nadlicki made 10 tackles and had two sacks.

It was a defensive battle to start the game with neither team able to move the ball across midfield. Nathan Goralski ripped off a 36-yard run for the longest play of the game midway through the first quarter.

On the following drive, the Bulldogs were moving deep into Alma territory late in the first quarter. The Adrian quarterback attempted to run into the endzone when he was met by Odin Soffredine right at the goal line who punched the ball loose. Thor Soffredine then scooped up the ball to keep Adrian off the scoreboard.

During the second quarter, Fosmore found Elijah Jackson for a 29-yard gain for his longest pass of the day. The Bulldogs would score a touchdown late in the second to take a 7-0 lead into halftime.

The second half started the same way the first half did with both defenses standing tall. Nadlicki sacked the Bulldogs qb and forced the ball out as well. Gage Nelson then picked it to put the Scots in Bulldogs territory.

Alma looked to use the momentum of the turnover and turn it into points. The Scots moved into field goal territory and Zach Clements hit it through the uprights from 42 yards out to make it 7-3 Adrian.

The Bulldogs responded on their next drive and found the endzone again to go up double digits. On the ensuing kickoff, Jarret Bright returned the ball 37 yards across midfield to give the Scots great field position.

Alma was able to move into the red zone with some rushes from Fosmore, Brendan Hamilton, Vernonell Smith Jr. and William Burnett. The Scots would then send Clements out for another field goal and the junior would make it again to cut the deficit to one score.

Adrian would score another touchdown late for the final score of the game.

The Scots will head to Kalamazoo College on Saturday, March 27th for a 1 p.m. kickoff.