WILMINGTON, Ohio -- The Capital University football program traveled down to Wilmington on Saturday, taking on the Quakers of Wilmington College in a matinee matchup. Despite a late push from the Comets, the game would end 24-21 in favor of Wilmington.

The first quarter was all Wilmington. Capital's offense was stalled multiple times on fourth down, resulting in turnovers. The Quakers would capitalize, taking an early 10-0 lead thanks to an early field goal, followed by a 14 yard touchdown pass.

Capital's offense woke up early in the second quarter, finally getting on the scoreboard with 13:18 remaining in the period. This came in the form of a game-long 22 yard run from senior quarterback Luke McCarrell. However, following a pick six by the Wilmington defense, the Comets would head to the half down 7-17. 

The second half started with more of the same. Wilmington extended their lead with a 29 yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 24-7. However, the tide would turn later in the third quarter as the Comets began to gain momentum, starting with a Drew Engle touchdown with 2:14 left in the period. The redshirt freshman pounded it in from the three yard line to bring Capital back within 10, only down 24-14. 

The Comet comeback effort continued in the fourth quarter as the offense drove 98 yards down the field, taking a 50 yard pass from McCarrell to senior wideout Noah Meeker to the house, and bringing the deficit to just three and the score to 24-21. 

The Capital defense stood strong as both offenses would trade possession for the next few minutes. Despite a last minute chance to pull ahead, the Capital offense fell short and the clock struck zero with the scoreboard still showing 24-21 in favor of Wilmington.

Capital's offense had a total of 414 yards, 315 passing and 99 rushing, and three touchdowns on the day.

It was a career day for senior quarterback Luke McCarrell who made his third appearance of the season under center. He was responsible for two touchdowns, one on the ground and one in the air. He threw for a career-high 315 yards as well as rushing for a career-high 20 yards.

Joining McCarrell in the backfield was redshirt freshman running back Drew Engle who took the majority of carries for the Comets, toting the ball 22 times in the game. Engle accounted for a career-high 79 yards and one touchdown on the ground. 

The receiving corps was led once again by senior Noah Meeker. He made four receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown. His game-long was of course the 50 yard touchdown reception from McCarrell. Senior Kameron Lee followed Meeker with 74 total yards from four receptions and a long of 32. Lee also handled the punting duties for the Comets, kicking twice for a total of 82 yards and a long of 42, one of which pinned the Quakers inside the 20.

On the defensive side of the ball, Capital was led in tackles by junior Mike Lauofo who had seven total, five of which were solo. Behind him, all with six tackles, was junior James Curtis (all solo), junior Nick Fisanick (four solo), graduate senior Kobe Swackhammer (four solo), and junior Dez Turkson (two solo). The defense brought Quaker quarterback Derek Larimer down three times. Senior Jack Blaisdell accounted for 1.5 sacks while Swackhammer, Turkson, and junior Louie Hoersten had 0.5 each.

The Comets will wrap up their season next week at home on senior day, taking on the Muskies of Muskingum University. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. from Purmort Field at Bernlohr Stadium.