(MIDLAND, Mich.) – Walsh couldn't get its first win of the season as Northwood avoided the upset bid with a 16-7 victory on Homecoming weekend at a windy and rainy Hantz Stadium. Both teams were held under 300 yards of total offense as the Timberwolves (3-2, 3-1) outgained the Cavaliers (0-5, 0-5) 297-245.

A couple of miscues helped Northwood take a 10-0 lead then prevented Walsh from tying the game. The first one occurred in the second quarter when a bad snap on a punt left the Timberwolves with the ball just outside the red zone. Five plays later, Vashon Nutt rushed in for two-yard touchdown run.

Later in the third quarter with the score 10-7, a Cavs' 50-yard field goal attempt was blocked with 6:32 left in the period. The Timberwolves took advantage and kicked a 34-yard field goal for a 13-7 lead.

The Cavaliers' touchdown was set up after an interception by C.J. Chatman gave Walsh the ball on Northwood's 43-yard line. On the first play of the drive, Reid Worstell found Blake Williams for a 24 yard pass to get the Cavs in the red zone. Three plays later, Worstell hit Aaron Male for a 16-yard score.

After the Timberwolves made the score 13-7, they added another field goal after they stopped Walsh on a fourth-and-two when their defense stopped Kalvin Gordon for no gain.

Walsh answered with its longest drive of the day, but after Male gave the Cavs a first-and-goal situation with a 29-yard run, Worstell's pass intended for Matt Matuska was intercepted by Marco Nickens on the goal line. Northwood then operated a long drive of 15 plays to run out the clock.

The majority of the yards combined came on the ground. It was the bulk of Northwood's offense as it rushed for 216 yards. Walsh picked up 101 yards rushing and was led by Kalvin Gordon with 79 yards on 15 attempts. The bulk of that came on a 42 run, the longest play for either team on the day.

Worstell finished the day 13-of-22 for 144 yards with the one touchdown pass and interception. Defensively Walsh was led by Skyler Parks with 11 tackles. Nicholas King also reached double digits with 10.

Walsh now returns to "home" for its next four games. The Cavaliers will host Findlay next Saturday at noon. The Cavaliers will be designated as visitors in the rivalry game against Malone, but that game will also be played at Tom Benson Stadium.