COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University football team steamed their way past Wilmington, 44-19 in Saturday's home opener, improving their season record to 2-0 – their best start to a season since 2014. Capital was forced to settle in early, but settle they did as they garnered a 21-6 lead after the first quarter before cruising to the eventual final score of 44-19.
In total, Capital controlled many of the statistical categories in the game, out-gaining the Quakers (1-1) 477-274 in total offense. Additionally, a key point in the game came as Capital controlled nearly 35 minutes of the ball, limiting the Quaker opportunities.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Wilmington started the game with a spark as Darryl Story returned the opening kickoff for 100 yards to put Wilmington in front 6-0. However, Capital immediately regained momentum as
Bailey Johnson lept through to block the PAT attempt.
With the new momentum, Capital embarked on a 15-play, 83-yard drive on their next possession that saw the Comets go in front, 7-6. The scoring play came via a 16-yard connection from
Tyler Love to
Wesley Armstead.
The next drive, the Capital defense forced a three-and-out, giving the ball back to Capital quickly. On the new drive, the Purple and White got into the endzone with a three-yard running score by
Zion Solomon.
Jensen Petro successfully converted the PAT to make it 14-6.
On the next Quaker possession, Wilmington was forced to settle for a 29-yard field goal attempt which was sent wide, keeping the score as is, but only for a moment. On the first play from scrimmage,
Tyler Love connected with
Demoyne Stoney for an 80-yard passing touchdown that boosted Cap in front 21-6 after Petro's PAT. The score was Stoney's first career collegiate touchdown.
Midway through the second quarter, Wilmington threatened to score yet again, but this time the Comet defense stood tall, with
Ben Brideweser serving as a major catalyst. On three consecutive plays, Brideweser broke up two passes in the end zone and stopped the Quaker QB short of the goal line on a rushing play. The second of Brideweser's breakups forced a turnover on downs which game the Comets a road to their next score. From their own three-yard line, Capital scored again with the punctuating score coming via a 24-yard touchdown run by
Brandon Hambric Jr. Love connected with
Finn Devine for two big gains on the drive, totalling 73 yards on two passes.
The 28-6 score held through halftime break and it wasn't until midway into the third quarter that Capital added on. First, Capital got the ball back on defense as
Miles Miesse stripped the Quaker quarterback and recovered the fumble on the 16-yard line. The very next play, Hambric Jr. sprinted into the end zone for a 34-6 lead.
Wilmington added a score on their next drive but did not convert a two-point attempt, leaving the score at 34-12.
Into the fourth quarter, Capital again forced a turnover from Wilmington, this time with
Bailey Johnson forcing a fumble that was recovered by
Olaoluwa Obayemi with a short field. This time, the drive culminated in a
Jensen Petro 34-yard field goal, the freshman's first career made field goal. The score put Cap in front 37-12.
The Comets were not done yet as Capital scored on their next drive to punctuate the day as
Donovan Duncan passed to
Brandon Buchanan for an 18-yard score. The TD was Buchanan's first in Purple and White.
Wilmington would go on to add a score in consolation to bring the final to 44-19 at the end of the game.
THE NUMBERS
Tyler Love passed for 275 yards on 13 completions and two touchdowns. He rushed for 42 yards on five rushes as well.
Brandon Hambric Jr. accounted for 51 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while
Zion Solomon added 26 yards and a score on his seven carries.
Demoyne Stoney eclipsed 100 yards in receiving as he finished with 103 yards and a score on three catches.
Finn Devine recorded four catches for 97 yards, while
Wesley Armstead and
Brandon Buchanan each had a receiving touchdown.
Bailey Johnson was the team's leader on defense, making seven tackles, including one for a loss. He also had a forced fumble and a blocked PAT try.
Marcus Young Jr.,
AJ Conti,
Miles Miesse and
Robbie Hatcher each had five tackles a piece, while
Landon Shutler finished with four stops.
Hatcher led the team with 1.5 sacks, while Miesse had one sack and
Jio Rodriguez had 0.5 sacks.
Jensen Petro was 4-of-5 on PAT kicks and was successful on his one field goal try of 34 yards. Petro sent seven kickoffs for an average of 58 yards per boot. Petro also had a punt for 39 yards.
Ethan Graham was 1-for-1 on PATs and had a 60-yard kickoff.
Hagan Lineberger took two punts for an average of 35.5 yards per boot.
UP NEXT
Capital will head out on the road for their next three games, beginning with a road trip to Marietta next Saturday, September 19th with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m.
