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Box Score

COLUMBUS – A strong second-half performance wasn't enough to erase a first-period deficit for the Capital University football team Saturday in a 44-17 setback against Wittenberg in the 2012 season opener for both teams at Bernlohr Stadium.

The Crusaders (0-1) were stymied three crucial turnovers and a pair of special teams mishaps, including a blocked punt returned for a touchdown late in the second quarter.

"In the first half, pretty much everything went wrong that could have," Capital coach Henry Stanford said. "The kids put a little too much pressure on themselves and as a result, we weren't able to execute the fundamentals."

Freshman tailback Bo Hardy (Galloway, Ohio) led the Crusaders with 13 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown, while junior wide receiver Alex Coleman (Columbus, Ohio) totaled 43 yards on five receptions with a score.

A 14-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Ryan Kremchek (Sylvania, Ohio) to junior Coleman put Capital within reach at 37-17 with 12:49 to play.

After forcing the Tigers (1-0) into a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, the Crusaders' momentum stalled on consecutive offensive drives that ended in interceptions.

Capital moved the ball much more efficiently in the second half, piling up 206 yards and 12 first downs after being held to 31 and two, respectively, in the first.

"Our offense established the run and showed some balance in the second half," Stanford said. "We pushed the tempo on offense and started rattling off plays."

Wittenberg put the first points on the scoreboard with a nine-play, 63-yard drive on its first offensive possession.

The Crusaders responded at the six-minute mark as sophomore kicker Travis Bosanac (Strongsville, Ohio) nailed a 35-yard field goal, the first of his career, to cut the deficit to 7-3.

The Tigers then responded with 30 unanswered points, including 23 in the first half alone, to take a commanding 37-3 advantage with 6:25 on the clock in the third quarter.

Stanford was pleased with the performance of several players, including Hardy, who scored from five yards out to cap a 12-play, 68-yard drive late in the third and whose 58-yard run set up the Kremchek-Coleman connection.

"Bo is an impressive young man," Stanford said. "He gives you a spark with his speed and power."

Junior defensive back Domenic Hebebrand (Hinckley, Ohio) totaled a team-best 13 tackles to lead the defense. Junior linebacker Kyle Shaeffer (Pickerington, Ohio) was also impressive, contributing with 10 tackles and a pair of interceptions.

Capital heads into a bye week before returning to action on Sept. 15 against Marietta in the Ohio Athletic Conference opener for both teams. Kickoff at Bernlohr Stadium is set for 2 p.m.