TIFFIN, Ohio – The Tiffin University football team saw its 2026 season come to an end on Saturday afternoon as they fell to rival Findlay 30-7 in the annual Battle of 224 at Frost-Kalnow Stadium. The loss drops the Dragons to 6-5 overall and 5-4 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play, while the Oilers improved to 10-1 overall and 8-1 in conference action.
No. 9 Findlay seized momentum early, taking advantage of strong field position on its opening possession. Just 10 seconds into its first drive, Dominic Bennett broke free for a 52-yard touchdown run to put the Oilers ahead 7-0. The visitors later added a 44-yard field goal from Zachary Barzd to carry a 10-0 lead into the second quarter.
The Oilers continued to build their advantage before halftime behind the connection of quarterbacks Andrew Leonard and Chase Harrison with receiver Khilee White. White hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Leonard midway through the second quarter before adding a 12-yard scoring reception from Harrison with 22 seconds remaining in the half, giving Findlay a 23-0 lead at the break.
Tiffin answered coming out of halftime with its most impressive drive of the afternoon. After
Frank Bertram forced and recovered a Harrison fumble deep in Dragon territory, the offense marched 85 yards on an 18-play possession that consumed more than eight minutes. The drive featured key runs from
Daniel Weems and a pair of receptions by
Joey Zalewski before
Jordan Edwards on a reverse powered in from two yards out with 47 seconds left in the third quarter to make it 23-7.
The Dragons' defense continued to battle throughout the second half, holding Findlay scoreless for nearly an entire quarter after the touchdown drive. However, the Oilers answered with a 46-yard march midway through the fourth quarter that culminated with an eight-yard touchdown pass from Harrison to Christian Davis, providing the final 30-7 margin.
Defensively,
Jacob Tueimeh led Tiffin with a game-high 13 tackles, while
Lennox Williams added 12 stops.
Frank Bertram continued his strong late-season play with five tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Gio Albanese contributed six tackles and 1.5 sacks as the Dragons recorded five sacks as a team.
Jordan Edwards totaled 18 all-purpose yards and accounted for Tiffin's lone touchdown. Prior to kickoff the Dragons celebrated its 2026 senior class.
Findlay finished with advantages in total offense (332-74), passing yards (207-52) and time of possession (32:54-27:06). Khilee White was the offensive catalyst for the Oilers, finishing with six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns, while Bennett added 98 rushing yards and a score.
