MARIETTA, Ohio – The Capital University football team suffered their first loss of the 2026 season and their first loss in four games dating back to last season on Saturday. The Comets fell to Marietta by a final score of 32-10. Both teams are now 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the OAC.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams went scoreless into the second quarter when Capital got on the board first thanks to a 30-yard field goal from
Jensen Petro.
After Marietta went ahead 6-3 on a TD score, Capital responded in force. First,
Declan McAdams blocked the PAT try – his second in as many weeks – and then
Bailey Johnson took the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, making it 10-6 after Petro's PAT. The kickoff return was Johnson's first in his career and marks the first kickoff return for a score by a Capital player since Bennett Zerby in 2023.
From that point on, Capital's offense sputtered as Marietta scored the game's next 26 points enroute to a 32-10 win.
THE NUMBERS
Tyler Love ended with 12 completions for 85 yards. He connected with
Preston Hannika five times (35 yards) and
Finn Devine three times (31 yards) as his top choices.
Cody McCoy,
James Logan and
Xavier Rodriguez accounted for the other receptions.
Brian Hambric Jr. was the leading rusher, carrying the ball 11 times for 48 yards.
Zion Solomon toted the ball seven times, followed by Love's six carries.
The Comet defense had a strong outing being led by
Olaoluwa Obayemi's career-high 10 tackles.
Diamonte Salley added eight tackles, while
Declan McAdams chipped in seven stops including a fumble recovery.
Bailey Johnson had six tackles with a sack and a forced fumble.
Evan Clephane and
Robbie Grieco each chipped in six tackles as well.
Lindsley Emile had a forced fumble and a recovery, while both
Marlon Paige and
Jio Rodriguez each had an interception.
Bailey Johnson contributed 117 yards of return yardage, highlighted by his 97-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Jensen Petro was 1-for-2 on field goals and 1-of-1 on PATs. He added five kickoff for a 60.6 average and six punts for a 38.2 average.
UP NEXT
Capital will be back on the road next Saturday as they travel to RV Baldwin Wallace for a 1:30 kickoff time.
