COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University football team stayed within touching distance of visiting Baldwin Wallace University for much of the first half, but ultimately could mount a comeback as BW pulled away in the second half. 

The Comets, now 0-2 on the year, found the end zone three times in the game and blocked two extra point attempts of the Yellow Jackets (3-0), but wound up on the wrong end of a 55-21 scoreline. 

Before kickoff, Capital football and the athletic department paid respects to the life and legacy of Roger Welsh who recently passed away. Welsh notably led the Purple and White to the 1987 OAC Championship as Head Football Coach before transitioning to Athletic Director toward the end of his 32-year career at Capital. 

After falling behind 14-0, Capital got their first score of the season at Bernlohr Stadium on a two-yard punch in from freshman Aaron Gilbert. The drive was set on its way after Ben Owens and Steven Alaniz connected on a 57-yard pass play. 

The Yellow Jackets responded with two more scores themselves, but Capital's Bailey Johnson made a nice diving block on the ensuing PAT try of the second score, keeping the score 27-7.

Capital then scored with just over a minute left in the second quarter on a nine-yard sprint from quarterback Ben Owens. A strong 51-yard pass play to Nate Younker again played a key part in setting up the touchdown. 

In the second half, Baldwin Wallace erupted for four scores out of the locker room, pulling away to 55-14. Capital's Ky Warner deflected another BW PAT try on their final score of the day. 

With the clock running down, the Comets forced their way into the end zone with just 1:31 left in the game, thanks to another two-run score from Aaron Gilbert. Both Preston Hannika and Jake Fitzpatrick came up with key catches in the drive from quarterback Donovan Duncan to keep the drive alive. The score proved to be consolation, with the score ending 55-21. 

THE NUMBERS
Ben Owens finished with 158 yards passing and 49 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown. 

Donovan Duncan passed for 37 yards on the final drive of the game. 

Kassim Johnson rushed for 76 yards in the game, while Aaron Gilbert scored his first two career touchdowns on short runs. 

Steven Alaniz and Nate Younker each ended with three catches in the game. Alaniz recorded 75 yards and Younker finished with 64 yards. 

Preston Hannika, Trevor Shook, Jake Fitzpatrick, Trent Renz and Finn Devine all recorded catches as well. 

Bryson Roberts and Quincy Hains each recorded nine tackles to lead the way. Riley Fritts and Owen Beatty were matched with eight tackles as well. Bailey Johnson and AJ Conti each had five tackles. 

Beatty and Jesse Foster each recorded one pass breakup, while Bailey Johnson and Ky Warner each had a blocked PAT. 

Tyler Terrell finished with three punts for 119 yards, while also successfully knocking through his three PAT attempts. 

UP NEXT
Capital will travel to Marietta College on Saturday, September 28th for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.