Oakland University Football Club (5-0-0) claimed victory over undefeated Ohio State Club Football (3-1-0) on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Jimmy John’s Field in Utica.

In the first quarter of the game, the Golden Grizzlies came out with a strong defense and offense that gave the Buckeyes a challenge. Sophomore Raymond Artist scored a 75-yard kick return, earning Oakland its first six points. Chris Polite earned the extra point, bringing the score to 7-0.

The Buckeyes got some points on the board in the first quarter after making a 65-yard pass reception and scoring an extra point. The score was tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was tough on both teams as they played some intense defense. Neither team was able to score.

Coming back from halftime, the Golden Grizzlies stepped up their offensive game and managed to get a 72-yard touchdown scored by Shak Williams. The Buckeyes defense was tough and Oakland was unable to score any more points in the third quarter, leaving it 13-7.

Soon after the fourth quarter started, Oakland’s Brian Khashola intercepted an Ohio State pass. But with only 31 seconds left in the game, the Buckeyes scored a touchdown tying the score at 13-13 and sending the game into overtime.

The Golden Grizzlies dominated overtime. Ben Hajclar scored a touchdown, giving Oakland another six points. After the touchdown, Hajclar also scored a two-point conversion. 21-13 Oakland.

Once Ohio State gained possession of the ball, they failed to complete a pass, ultimately sealing Oakland’s victory. The game ended with Oakland winning 21-13.

“Our defense line as a whole played very well,” Oakland head coach Tom Menas said. “We started a new quarterback today, so there was some learning curve there, obviously. Our offense didn’t play quite the way we wanted it to, but we were going against probably the toughest team we’ve faced all year as well.”

Senior middle linebacker Brian Khashola agreed with Menas.

“The defense played their absolute best game probably this year,” Khashola said. “We bend but don’t break. That’s our motto, and we played like that all game.”

With this win against Ohio State, the Golden Grizzlies are now ranked number one in the Great Lakes – East Division, according to the National Club Football Association. Heading into their next game, Oakland is now 5-0.

Oakland plays its last home game at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 22. The Golden Grizzlies will face Wright State at the Auburn Hills Civic Center Park.