September 15, 2007 - Kalamazoo College vs. Valparaiso University

KALAMAZOO - The Kalamazoo College football team lost its season opener 38-24 to NCAA I-AA Valparaiso University on Saturday, Sept. 15.

Kalamazoo took an early 9-0 lead following a 22-yard field goal by Jon Rea and a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Tallman to Jimmy Semelsberger.

Valpariso scored 23 points in the second half to take a 23-9 lead into halftime.

Jordan Tallman connected on touchdown passes to Chris Coriasso and Brandon Baity in the third quarter to give Kalamazoo a 24-23 lead. Valparaiso would come back again as the Crusaders scored twice early in the fourth quarter to take the 38-24 lead and the eventual final score.

Jordan Tallman was 28-of-49 passing for 207 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Mike Benson had 10 catches for 98 yards to lead the Kalamazoo receivers. Jimmy Semelsberger had six catches for 45 yards and Chris Coriasso had six catches for 39 yards.

Steve Charon led the defense with 18 total tackles. Blake MacDonald had 11 tackles. Ross Dalrymple had seven tackles and a quarterback sack. Charon returned an interception 24 yards and Rob Duszynski returned an interception 42 yards to set up an early Hornet touchdown.

Kalamazoo plays the second of three straight home games next week. The Hornets host Bluffton University (Ohio) at 1 p.m.

Game Statistics