�One game at a time.� It�s the oldest clich� in football, but Oberlin showed why it has stood the test of time as they routed Hiram College on homecoming weekend. The team gave a dominant performance after being routed itself over the past three weeks.

Oberlin played its best game of the season in every phase. The Yeomen put up a season-high 49 points, while the defense allowed a season low in rushing yards, passing yards and points.

Special teams was also on point as senior Chris Schubert returned a punt for a touchdown, and first-year kicker Zach Richard set a single-game record with seven made PATs.

�The defense shut them out in the first half, and offensively, we just clicked,� said Schubert. �Everyone across the board knew what had to be done, and we went out without any doubts and handled business.�

While the Yeomen played their best game to date, the game mirrored the first three defeats of the season, during which they played sloppy, mistake-filled football en route to early deficits.

Junior quarterback Greg Mangan threw an interception on the third play of the game. Oberlin�s defense established itself right away, however, forcing a quick Hiram three-and-out.

The Yeomen offense, pumped by the solid defense, set its own tone, marching down the field for touchdowns on its next three possessions.

Senior wide receiver Cassius Harris caught a 42-yard bomb from Mangan to get the scoring started. Junior R.V. Carroll and sophomore Wayne Mundekis punched in the ball on the next two possessions to give the Yeomen a 21-0 lead.

The Yeomen offense moved the ball so efficiently in the first quarter that, despite Oberlin�s holding a 21-point edge, Hiram held the ball for nearly three more minutes than Oberlin in the quarter. Oberlin�s offense was just that good.

The second quarter played out much like the first. Oberlin scored two more touchdowns, both passes from Mangan to Schubert, while the Yeomen defense held Hiram scoreless for the half.

�As far as the defense goes we executed much better this game than the others,� said senior defensive back Chase Palmer. �Everyone played their assignment and let their teammates play theirs�Much of the defensive outcome was due to the team believing in each other and believing in themselves.�
Both Hiram and Oberlin scored a pair of touchdowns in the second half. Oberlin�s came as a result of Schubert�s punt return and the other came on Carroll�s second touchdown run of the game.

In total, Oberlin ran for more than 100 yards on just three more carries, and passed for nearly 80 more yards in six fewer attempts. Quite simply, Oberlin dominated.

The win leaves Oberlin at 1-3 overall, but undefeated in NCAC play. The Yeomen will travel to Denison University on October 6th looking to stay perfect in the NCAC, but they know it will be a tough game.

�Right now we need to focus all of our efforts on Denison because they are a good football team and we�re going into their place,� said Mangan. �If we just take it one day at a time and pay attention to the details we should be ready for them.�

Given the Yeomen win, maybe it�s okay that the clich� never dies.