September 5, 2009 - Kalamazoo College at Denison University (Ohio)

GRANVILLE, Ohio - The Kalamazoo College football team lost its season opener 37-20 to Denison University on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kalamazoo trailed 30-20 in the fourth quarter and was in Denison territory, but the Big Red intercepted a pass and returned it 64 yards for a touchdown to go up 37-20 and essentially seal the victory.

Kalamazoo trailed 10-0 early in the second half when Brandon Luczak connected with Cory McCain on a 34-yard touchdown pass. Denison responded with a field goal before half, another field goal early in the third quarter followed by a touchdown just over a minute later to take a 23-7 lead. Kalamazoo's Stephen Johnston cut the score to 23-13 with a two-yard scoring run with 1:33 left in the third. Denison answered with another touchdown with nine seconds left in the third to go up 30-13.

Luczak connected with Jimmy Semelsberger on a 16-yard touchdown pass with 12:27 left in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 30-20. The Hornets were driving midway through the quarter when Denison returned an interception 64 yards to go up 37-20, the eventual final score.

Brandon Luczak was 34-of-56 passing for 408 yards with two touchdowns and the one interception.

Cory McCain (9 catches, 136 yards) and Jimmy Semelsberger (8 catches, 108 yards) each had a receiving touchdown. Ryan Bizzis had seven catches for 70 yards.

Stephen Johnston had a rushing touchdown on 10 carries with five receptions for 53 total yards.

Brandon Foutz led the defense with 12 total tackles. Brian Flahie had two tackles for loss. Flahie and Adam Cares were each credited with half a sack.

Kalamazoo returns home to host Rockford (Ill.) on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

Game Statistics