UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio – The Capital University football team traveled to Northeast Ohio on Saturday afternoon with a tall order ahead, playing at No. 25 John Carroll University. The order became taller as the Comets bus suffered mechanical issues on the trip up, resulting in a delayed kickoff and an impacted mindset.
Unfortunately for the Comets, the result on the field did not bode well for the Purple and White, as JCU secured a 49-14 win at the final horn.
John Carroll is now 3-2 on the year, while Capital is 0-5 overall.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After JCU erupted to a 35-0 halftime lead, and a 42-0 lead at the start of the third quarter, Capital finally got their offense going after
Bailey Johnson picked off a JCU pass with 5:55 left in the third period. The interception was the first of Johnson's career and the first for the Comet defense this season.
From the new possession,
Donovan Duncan threw four straight completions for the CU touchdown, culminating in a 22-yard dart to
Finn Devine. The touchdown catch was Devine's first career score at the collegiate level. Duncan also connected with
Jamey Bollo,
Jake Fitzpatrick and
Nate Younker on the drive.
After
Tyler Terrell's PAT and ensuing kickoff, the Comet defense again forced a JCU turnover, this time on a
Khristian Nelson fumble recovery at the JCU 33-yard line.
With the new possession, Duncan only needed one pass this time to get Cap in the endzone as he connected with
Nate Younker on the 33-yard score. Again, Terrell connected on the PAT attempt, bringing the score to 42-14.
The Blue Streaks started the fourth quarter with another touchdown of their own, pushing the score out to 49-14.
Despite a couple more possessions, Cap could not muster back into the end zone, resulting in the final score in the favor of the hosts.
THE NUMBERS
Donovan Duncan came off the bench and threw for 127 yards and two scores on an 8-for-11 performance.
Ben Owens had passed for 31 yards on five completions as well.
In receiving,
Nate Younker had 96 yards and one touchdown on four catches.
Finn Devine had one catch for 22 yards and a score.
Mac Pettigrew,
Trent Renz,
Steven Alaniz,
Kassim Johnson,
Jake Fitzpatrick and
Jamey Bollo also caught passes.
Kassim Johnson,
Trevor Shook and
Wesley Armstead all combined for 27 yards rushing to lead the ground game.
Bryson Roberts was the leading tackler, finishing with eight stops.
Owen Beatty was next with seven tackles.
Jesse Foster ended with five, while
Riley Fritts,
Cyrus Burden,
Quincy Hains,
Declan McAdams and
Manny Keeling all ended with four.
Bailey Johnson recorded his and the Comets' first interception of the season, and
Khristian Nelson recovered a fumble for the Capital defense. Both turnovers directly resulted in the two CU touchdowns.
Johnson also ended with a fumble recovery earlier in the game as well.
Bryson Roberts and
Cyrus Burden each had a forced fumble as well.
Tyler Terrell booted eight punts for an average of 44.0 yards per punt, with three sailing 50 or more yards. He added two good PATs and sent three kickoffs for an average of 51.3 yards per kick.
Mac Pettigrew led the returning game with 99 yards on five kickoff returns.
UP NEXT
Capital will return to Bernlohr Stadium on Saturday, October 19th for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff vs. Ohio Northern. That game will serve as Military and First Responders Appreciation. All current and former military and first responders will receive free admission with ID or uniform, the first 100 fans will receive a custom rally towel, and numerous ROTC and National Guard related activities will be planned for the game. Fans are encouraged to enter the gates early and be in their seats for pregame.
