COLUMBUS, Ohio – Senior quarterback Ben Owens led the Capital University football team to a 50-31 win over Wilmington in their final game of the season on the back of a six-touchdown performance on Saturday afternoon. The six touchdowns matched a program single-game record, tying him with Ed Garver (1957) and Thomas Wibbeler (2017, 2018). 

The Comets and Quakers both end the season 1-9 overall after today's result. 

SENIOR DAY
The Comet football and cheer program celebrated senior day prior to kickoff, celebrating the careers of Steven Alaniz, Ben Owens, Marcus Ray II, Dominic Arriaga, Jacob Hepner, and Tyler Terrell. Also, the Comets celebrated Michael Hooffstetter who would've been playing in his senior day today, but unfortunately passed away prior to his sophomore season. 

Cheerleaders Olivia Archibald, Alexandria Johns, Belle Rodriguez and Laura Wolfe were also recognized. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Wilmington jumped on top first with a touchdown just over two minutes in. Despite falling behind, Capital answered quickly thanks to a 21-yard connection from Owens to Nate Younker. 

The Comets then went in front before the end of the first quarter as Owens threw to Finn Devine for a nine-yard score. 

After Wilmington tied the score at 14-14, Capital punted the ball back to the Quakers. On their first play of the new drive, the Quakers' running back was stripped by Manny Keeling, who then picked up the loose ball for a Comet possession just 19 yards from the end zone. Just five plays later, Owens threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Josh Kucker, making is 21-14, Cap. 

Soon, after a Wilmington field goal, Capital found yet another touchdown as this time Owens found fellow senior Steven Alaniz for an 11-yard touchdown. The score was Alaniz's first of his career in Purple and White. 

The 28-17 score was preserved into the halftime break as the Quakers final drive of the half was halted by an interception from Owen Beatty in the end zone. 

Capital opened the second half with a 33-yard field goal from senior Tyler Terrell to keep the momentum going. 

Soon after a good defensive stand, Capital capitalized on good field possession once again, as Owens connected with Younker for a 27-yard score, making the score 37-17. 

.In the fourth quarter, Capital would start with another touchdown as Owens would throw his sixth of the day – a one-yard score to Alaniz for his second receiving score of the day. 

The Comet scoring for the day was capped off by a three-yard rushing score by Aaron Gilbert, making the final score 50-31. 

THE NUMBERS
The Comets scored 50 points for the first time since September 8, 2018 in a win at Marietta. 

Ben Owens passed for six touchdowns, which marks the first such time a Capital player has done so since Thomas Wibbeler on September 30, 2017. Owens finished this game with 270 yards and the six touchdowns on 20 completions. He added 55 yards on the ground as well. 

Kassim Johnson was the leading rusher with 61 yards, while Aaron Gilbert added 17 yards and a score. 

Preston Hannika was the top target in the pass game, making six catches for 78 yards. Nate Younker accounted for three catches for 59 yards and two scores. Josh Kucker caught three passes for 56 yards and a score. Steven Alaniz hauled in three catches for 40 yards and two TDs. Finn Devine caught the other touchdown on his one reception of the day. 

In defense, Cyrus Burden ended with nine tackles, including two for a loss and a sack. 

Diamonte Salley finished with eight tackles, while Griffin McKinney and Bryson Roberts each had seven stops. 

Jesse Foster (5), Declan McAdams (5), Bailey Johnson (4) and AJ Conti (4) each had good tackling days. 

Manny Keeling was good for the forced and recovered fumble, while Owen Beatty accounted for two interceptions in the game. 

Tyler Terrell punted twice for a 42.5 yard average. He also was good on a 33-yard field goal and five PAT tries. Terrell also averaged 51.4 yards per kickoff.