More than 5,100 fans came to Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium to witness the unveiling of the new facility. They left viewing a show of massive force as Trine buried Manchester 55-7  in the season opener Thursday night.

It took less than six minutes for Trine to punch in two scores early in the first quarter. The Thunder added another at the 5:42 mark to take a commanding 21-0 lead. The Thunder would not be challenged the rest of the way as they scored on eight of 12 possessions.

When the dust settled, the Thunder amassed a record 642 yards of total offense.

Ja Vontae Hence (Elkhart, Ind./Concord), who rushed 10 times for 99 yards, finished with three touchdowns. Kent Biller  (Nappanee, Ind./NorthWood) had 10 carries for 75 yards. 

Eric Watt  (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) finished with 14-of-18 passing for 255 yards and two touchdowns, he also ran for two more scores. 

Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich./Ross Beaty) had five receptions for 128 yards with two touchdowns. Westly Verner (Adrian, Mich./Adrian) had three catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Jacob Vance (Fenton, Mich./Fenton) made seven tackles.  Marcus Nuby (Fort Wayne, Ind./Snider) had six stops and one sack.

The Thunder return to action September 11 at Bluffton College.  Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. Click here to listen live.