Scots Grind Out 14-9 Victory Over Hope in Season Opener

Scott Jones gained 133 yards on 31 carries to help lead Wooster past Hope 14-9 Saturday.

HOLLAND, Mich. – With the graduation of two all-conference wide receivers from The College of Wooster's 2001 squad, the Scots planned to shift their offensive focus to the running game this fall. On Saturday, Wooster showed off its ground attack, and it paid large dividends, as the Scots downed Hope College 14-9.

Wooster, which had a near 50/50 ratio of run to pass attempts last year, rushed the ball 52 times against the Flying Dutchmen for 190 yards. The Scots only threw the ball 15 times, completing eight passes for 105 yards, but both touchdowns came through the air.

Hope looked to take an early lead, as it took its opening drive of the game 58 yards to the Wooster eight-yard line before Phil Butler's pass was intercepted in the end zone by Kevin Rooker.

Later in the first quarter, the Flying Dutchmen's Chad Booker fumbled a Ryan Hartschuh punt at his own 46-yard line, which was recovered by the Scots' Nick Hajjar. Nine plays later, Jeff Spraggins hit fullback Rob Hooper on a 10-yard touchdown pass to give Wooster a 7-0 lead. The drive was fueled by the running of Scott Jones, who carried the ball seven times for 30 yards.

Early in the second quarter, Hope appeared to be on its way to tying the game, as Butler connected with Joe VerSchueren on a 39-yard pass down to the Wooster 5-yard line. But again, Hajjar made a big play for the Scots, stripping VerSchueren of the ball and recovering the fumble.

Hope got on the scoreboard late in the first half with a field goal to make the score 7-3 at halftime, but Wooster quickly responded in the third quarter. Jones took the second half kickoff and returned it 59 yards to the Hope 31-yard line. Three plays later, Spraggins hit Tim Slovensky for a 28-yard touchdown pass to open the Scots' lead to 14-3.

After opening up a two possession lead, Wooster stuck strictly to the ground game, rushing the ball 30 times out of its final 35 offensive plays. The strategy paid off, as the Flying Dutchmen only had five second half possessions for a total of 11:23 on the clock.

Hope did make the game interesting in the fourth quarter, as it went 83 yards on 13 plays, capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass by Butler to VerSchueren with 9:24 to play. They went for the two-point conversion in order to get within a field goal, but the pass failed. The Flying Dutchmen only got the ball one more time, however, and were forced to punt after reaching the Scot 48-yard line. In Wooster's final possession, it was able to run out the final 5:14 of the game.

Statistically, Hope outgained Wooster 315 to 295 in total offense, but were hurt by three turnovers.

Leading the Scot rushing attack was Jones, who rushed for 133 yards on 31 carries. Tony Sutton had 47 yards on 13 carries, while Hooper gained 14 yards on six carries. Spraggins was 8-for-15 with 105 yards and no interceptions.

Dan Bloemers had a strong game for Hope, rushing 24 times for 121 yards. Butler finished 16-of-29 for 173 yards, while seven different receivers caught at least one pass.

Wooster has a bye next Saturday, then returns to action for its home opener September 21 against Bethany (WV)