MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Northern Michigan football team scored three touchdowns in the second half but could not overcome an early deficit and fell to Ohio Dominican, 38-28, Saturday afternoon at the Superior Dome.

Jake Mayon rushed for a career-best three touchdowns, and Shaye Brown threw for a season-high 303 passing yards by connecting with seven different receivers.

The Panthers opened the game by marching 75 yards down the field for the score, capping a drive that chewed up 5:25 with a nine-yard Aaron Stephens touchdown rush. They then took advantage of a Wildcat turnover to take a 14-0 lead; Grant Russell found a wide-open Cory Contini for a 64-yard touchdown.

Mayon got Northern Michigan on the board with 14 seconds left in the first quarter, rushing five yards for a score after Brown connected with three receivers for 10 or more yards, including a 27-yard toss to Aaron Harris.

Ohio Dominican extended its lead back to 14 on the strength of a 17-yard touchdown catch by Stephens. The Panthers tacked on a field goal with 28 seconds remaining in the first half to take a 24-7 lead into the locker room.

The Wildcats cut the Ohio Dominican lead to 24-14 after Mayon capped a 79-yard drive, which took 6:07 off the clock, with a three-yard score. During that drive, Mayon broke free for a 28-yard carry while Brown connected with Michael Akinlade for an 18-yard gain and Jaranta Lewis for a 12-yard gain on back-to-back plays.

The Panthers responded with a two yard touchdown rush by E.J. Colson just 19 seconds into the final quarter to take a 31-14 advantage. But Northern Michigan responded when Jalen Saunders picked off a Russell pass and Brown connected with Julian Crum for a 33-yard score on the next play with 12:06 remaining in regulation.

A 34-yard Colson touchdown reception gave Ohio Dominican a 38-21 lead with 8:51 left on the clock. Mayon's third touchdown, this a one-yard score, drew Northern Michigan within 10 points with 4:55 remaining in regulation. The Panthers recovered the on-side kick and then chewed up the remaining minutes by rushing the ball.

Three Wildcats, Crum (33), Walter Jackson (29) and Harris (27), posted single receptions of more than 25 yards. Crum and Jackson tied for the team-high with 72 receiving yards. Mayon led Northern Michigan with 75 rushing yards.

C.J. Washington (11) and Darryl Williams (10) reached the double digits in tackles. Woodly Sully recorded a sack and a tackle for a loss.

With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 3-5 (3-4 GLIAC). They return to action Oct. 29, hosting Hillsdale at 1 p.m. Children grade eight and under get in free if they wear their costume.