COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University football team celebrated their annual Homecoming and Hall of Fame game on Saturday afternoon at Bernlohr Stadium in front of an engaged crowd of football fans, Capital alumni and Comet families all celebrating the weekend's events. Unfortunately for the Purple and White football team, the score ended in favor of visiting Heidelberg University, 45-22. 

With the loss, Capital now sits at 0-4 on the year, while the Student Princes are 2-2. 

HOMECOMING & HALL OF FAME
Earlier Saturday morning, Capital Athletics inducted six new members to the Athletics Hall of Fame, with all six honorees being recognized at halftime of the football game. The 2024 inductees included Jedd Stucky (Baseball and Men's Soccer), Sean Kelly (Football), Jacob Butler (Baseball), Kwesi Seabrook (Women's Track & Field), Spencer Niekamp (Men's Basketball), and Maggie Donnellan (Women's Soccer). 

Following the recognition of the hall of fame inductees, Capital recognized the university's Homecoming Court, with 10 seniors being recognized. The Homecoming Royalty included Heather Smith and Immanuel Lane. Lane also serves the football team as a student coach. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Capital fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter but found some success to start the second quarter as Ben Owens threw a 12-yard pass to Trent Renz in the end zone, cutting the deficit in half. The touchdown reception for Renz was the first of his career as a tight end. 

From the ensuing kickoff, the Comets built some momentum, shocking everyone in the crowd with an on-side kick that was recovered by kicker Tyler Terrell. With the short field, the Comets made progress down the field and eventually were forced into a fourth down situation. There, Cap sent out the field goal unit, but unfortunately, the momentum was swung in the other direction as the Student Princes blocked the field goal try and returned the ball for a 76-yard touchdown, making the score 21-7 in favor of the visitors. 

Despite falling behind, Capital responded with another touchdown, coming on a four-yard run from Owens, trimming the score to 21-14. 

The next three scores went the way of Heidelberg in the form of a 24-yard field goal and two touchdowns. 

The Comets got back on the board as Owens again connected with one of his tight ends, this time throwing to Josh Kucker for a six-yard score. The ensuing two-point try was converted as Owens passed to Renz for the conversion. 

The visitors tacked on another score before all was said and done, ending the game 45-22. 

THE NUMBERS
Ben Owens passed for 23 completions on 36 attempts, racking up 227 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed 20 times for 49 yards and another score. 

In rushing, Kassim Johnson ran 10 times for 24 yards, while Aaron Gilbert tacked on 16 yards on eight runs. 

Steven Alaniz was the leading receiver on the day, making six catches for a career-high 81 yards. Nate Younker and Kassim Johnson combined for six catches and 75 yards. Finn Devine (4), Trent Renz (2), Wesley Armstead (2), Mac Pettigrew, Josh Kucker and Preston Hannika combined for the other receptions. 

On defense, Cyrus Burden and Griffin McKinney led the team with nine tackles each. Quincy Hains was close behind with eight stops, while Diamonte Salley ended with six. Bailey Johnson and Manny Keeling each had five tackles as well. 

Keeling came up with a big forced fumble that was recovered by Bryson Roberts. 

Tyler Terrell punted three times for an average of 45 yards per boot. He also added two successful PAT tries and two kickoffs. Terrell also was responsible for covering his own on-side kick attempt in the second quarter. 

Finn Devine, Mac Pettigrew, and Miles Miesse were all credited with kickoff returns in the game. 

UP NEXT
Capital will travel to Northeast Ohio next Saturday as they will battle John Carroll University in a 1:30 p.m. kickoff on October 12th.