WESTERVILLE, Ohio – In the latest chapter of the crosstown rivalry, the Capital Comets brought the OAR back to Bexley with a 35-30 victory over Otterbein. The win moves Capital to 5-3 on the season, marking the program's first five-win season since 2011. Otterbein falls to 2-6.
How It Happened
Otterbein struck first within the opening seven minutes of the contest. Following a nine-play, 56-yard drive, Braylon Balandra connected on a 26-yard field goal to give the Cardinals an early 3-0 lead. Otterbein added to its advantage on its next scoring opportunity when Kace Kinnamon hauled in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Duke Corley, extending the lead to 10-0.
Capital's offense finally found the end zone five minutes into the second quarter. After putting together a 12-play drive, quarterback Tyler Love connected with Demoyne Stoney on a 25-yard touchdown pass. Ethan Graham added the extra point to cut the Cardinals' lead to 10-7.
The Comets continued their momentum heading into halftime, taking their first lead of the afternoon. In a similar connection to their previous score, Love found Stoney once again, this time for a 57-yard touchdown strike. With another successful extra point from Graham, Capital headed into the break with a 14-10 advantage.
Both teams opened the third quarter slowly before Capital found the end zone midway through the period. Love connected with Trent Renz on a 12-yard touchdown pass, capping another scoring drive for the Comets. Graham's extra point extended Capital's lead to 21-10. Neither team managed to score again before the end of the quarter.
Capital carried its momentum into the fourth quarter. Following an eight-play, 53-yard drive, Love punched it in from one yard out for a rushing touchdown. With Graham's extra point, the Comets stretched their advantage to 28-10.
Otterbein responded just two minutes later when its quarterback found the end zone on a five-yard rushing touchdown, cutting Capital's lead to 28-17.
The Cardinals continued to battle, putting together a 12-play drive that ended with Matt Griffin scoring on a two-yard rushing touchdown, keeping the game within reach at 28-23.
Capital answered immediately. On just three plays, Xavier Rodriguez broke free for a 20-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Comets some much-needed breathing room. Graham converted the extra point to push Capital's lead to 35-23.
Otterbein refused to go away quietly, finding the end zone once more with just 53 seconds remaining. Griffin recorded his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon on a three-yard run, bringing the score to 35-30. However, Capital held on to secure the five-point victory and reclaim the OAR.
By The Numbers
Quarterback Tyler Love completed 16 of 35 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown of his own. Receiver Demoyne Stoney hauled in two touchdown receptions for 82 yards, while Trent Renz recorded three receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown.
On the ground, Xavier Rodriguez led the Comets with 17 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. Zion Soloman added 31 rushing yards, while Preston Hannika contributed four receptions for 29 yards.
Defensively, Marcus Young Jr. recorded five solo tackles. Olaoluwa Obayemi added six solo tackles and an interception, while Diamonte Salley contributed five solo tackles and a sack.
Up Next
The Comets return home to welcome the No. 24 Heidelberg Student Princes to Columbus. Capital will host Heidelberg at Bernlohr Stadium for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.
