COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Capital University football team re-awoke its rivalry with Otterbein College on Homecoming and Hall of Fame Induction Day this past Saturday, bringing back the longstanding tradition of battling for the oars. Despite stellar performances from multiple players on both sides of the ball, and a nearly perfect comeback plea, the Comets fell short of the Cardinals, dropping the game 38-33.

It was a hard-fought game from the onset, both teams going back and forth trading blows with neither able to find a significant advantage. The sky was overcast, rain drizzled, and a cold breeze nipped at the nose of everyone in attendance. As some might say, it was true football weather.

Capital roared out to an early lead, scoring on their second possession via a one-yard Jonathan Williams TD run, but a missed extra point allowed Otterbein to jump ahead after reaching the endzone on the following possession and lead 7-6. This is how the first period would end.

The Cardinals would once again find the endzone early in the second quarter and take a 14-6 lead. The Comets would bounce back quickly. Another one-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Williams followed by a two-point conversion would tie the score at 14-14, and give some life to the Capital crowd. Capital would once again take the lead on the first play of their next drive as a connection between Ben Everson and Noah Meeker would be taken 49 yards to the house. A blocked extra point and a last second Otterbein field goal later, the half would end at 20-17.

The second half was all grit, with neither team willing to give an inch. However, another deep connection from Everson to Meeker, this time for 62 yards, would give Capital some insurance on the scoreboard, now leading 26-17.

Early in the fourth quarter Otterbein would once again challenge the Comets, scoring another touchdown and bringing the score to 26-24. On the ensuing kickoff, Capital return man Aralius Walters would split the defense, running straight through them and past the kicker, taking the ball 92 yards to paydirt. This would be the first Capital kickoff returned for a touchdown since Thom Hausler returned one for 84 yards against Wittenberg in September of 2004, and would bring the score to 33-24 in favor of the Comets.

However, the Capital lead was not safe for long. Two back-to-back touchdowns by the Cardinals would give them a 38-33 lead going into the final minute of the game. The Comets would get the ball back with just 55 seconds on the clock.

The final 55 seconds were heated, neither side willing to be defeated. The fans were on their feet clapping, stomping, and screaming, hoping to be heard. Everson was able to drive the Comets into Otterbein territory, however, a last second lob into the endzone would fall incomplete, giving Otterbein the 38-33 win.

Despite the loss, this was one of the best games of the season for Capital's offense, putting up 33 points and gaining a total of 425 yards. Sophomore quarterback Ben Everson led the rushing attack with 62 yards, followed closely by redshirt freshman Drew Engle who had 51. In the air, Everson threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns.

The receiving corps was led by senior Noah Meeker, who had 154 yards and two touchdowns, both of which came on deep passes, going for 49 and 62 yards. He was followed by fellow senior Kameron Lee (73), redshirt freshman Drew Engle (40), and junior Aralius Walters (31).

Junior running back Jonathan Williams had two scores on the day, punching the ball in from the one both times.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Comets stood strong, forcing two fumbles and recovering one. They also made two sacks on the day. Freshman defensive back Zhy Perry led the Capital defense in tackles with 12, all of which were solo tackles. He was followed by junior James Curtis with eight (four solo) and freshman Malik Davis with seven (all solo).

The Comets look to bounce back next week as they travel to Southwest Ohio to take on the Wilmington Quakers. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. EST from Wilmington!