Trine Escapes Adrian 45-42 on Last-Second Touchdown in Division III Thriller
By Final Score 360 Regional College Football Desk
October 26, 2026
ADRIAN, Mich. — Trine University kept its winning season on track Saturday, October 24, defeating Adrian College 45-42 in a dramatic Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association football matchup at Docking Stadium.
The Thunder improved to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in conference competition, while Adrian fell to 2-5 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA.
The winning touchdown came with just nine seconds remaining when quarterback RJ West connected with Zack Pillow on a seven-yard scoring pass.
Thunder Establish Early Lead
Trine opened the scoring on a six-yard touchdown pass from West to Pillow, completing a 13-play, 80-yard drive.
Adrian responded early in the second quarter when Sebastian Boswell scored on a three-yard run.
The Thunder regained the lead with a 30-yard field goal by Casey Medley before Saleem Felder broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run.
Trine entered halftime with a 24-7 advantage.
Adrian Mounts a Comeback
The Bulldogs refused to surrender.
After trailing by 17 at halftime, Adrian scored 14 points in the third quarter and 21 more in the fourth.
The Bulldogs’ offense produced 499 total yards, including 369 through the air.
Adrian’s late offensive surge transformed what initially appeared to be a comfortable Trine victory into a tense fourth-quarter battle.
The Thunder finished with 514 total yards, demonstrating that both teams were capable of moving the football consistently.
West and Pillow Deliver
With the game on the line, Trine assembled a six-play, 68-yard drive that consumed just 55 seconds.
West finished the possession by finding Pillow for a seven-yard touchdown with nine seconds remaining.
Medley’s extra point established the final three-point margin.
West finished with 333 passing yards as Trine completed 30 of 44 attempts.
The Thunder also rushed for 181 yards, giving their offense a balanced attack.
Conference Implications
The victory kept Trine unbeaten in MIAA competition and preserved its position among the conference’s leading teams.
However, allowing 42 points after building a substantial halftime advantage also provides areas for improvement.
Adrian demonstrated resilience in nearly completing the comeback, but the Bulldogs were unable to prevent Trine’s final scoring drive.
For Trine, the victory represents another important step in a promising season.
Final Score: Trine 45, Adrian 42.
Trine Record: 6-1 overall, 4-0 MIAA.
