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Homecoming 2012

COLUMBUS – The Capital University football team took an early lead but was unable to maintain it Saturday in a 37-10 defeat against John Carroll in an Ohio Athletic Conference showdown at Bernlohr Stadium.

Sophomore kicker Travis Bosanac (Strongsville, Ohio) nailed a 49-yard field goal, which is believed to be the longest in program history since 1986, to put the Crusaders (1-3 overall, 1-2 OAC) ahead 3-0 just over five minutes into the contest.

The Blue Streaks (2-2, 1-2) answered with a touchdown late in the first quarter and scored 37 unanswered points, taking a 24-3 lead into the half after outgaining Capital 315-94 in the first 30 minutes of action.

"I told the team we have to get back to basics tomorrow," Capital coach Henry Stanford said. "Our guys have to understand what caused us to lose today's game and make a promise to each other, in brotherhood, that they're going to change how they prepare and do everything within their ability to prepare for next Saturday."

Making his first start of the season, junior quarterback Alex Nydza (Cleveland, Ohio) finished 13-of-29 for 166 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore wide receiver Benjamin Woycke (Mason, Ohio) grabbed a 7-yard touchdown pass from Nydza just over 30 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Junior wide receiver Alex Coleman (Columbus, Ohio) totaled 144 all-purpose yards, including 85 receiving.

Junior defensive backs Brian Mazzaro (Cincinnati, Ohio; at right) and Antoine Roberts (Lithonia, Ga.) led the defense with 11 and eight tackles, respectively. Seniors Tyler Dugan (Columbus, Ohio) and Aaron Knisley (Bexley, Ohio) combined for 15 tackles, with Knisley supplying one for a loss.

John Carroll attempted 42 of its 56 passes in the first half and threw for 315 yards in the period.

"That wore us down a little bit, but it goes back to doing your job and doing the little things correctly," Stanford said. "We preached it all week long and we're going to preach it again this coming week."

The Crusaders resume action next Saturday against Heidelberg, which fell just short of being ranked in the most recent D3football.com Top 25 Poll. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Bernlohr Stadium on Homecoming Saturday at Capital.