UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – Overcoming adversity has been a strong suit for the John Carroll University football program.
Saturday afternoon added another chapter to this reoccurring theme.
After losing 27-20 in overtime to Ohio Northern and falling to a .500 record for the third time this season, the Blue Streaks dominated the Capital Crusaders, 48-21, from Purmort Field at Bernlohr Stadium in Bexley, Ohio.
The high-scoring affair featured pristine passing from quarterback Anthony Moeglin – 22-for-28 (78.6%) completion rate – and gritting running from Ro Golphin – 17 rushes for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Although playoff contention is a long shot, head coach Rick Finotti are back over the hump, building the season-long progression toward Game 10 against the Mount Union Purple Raiders.
Moeglin bounces back, uses tight ends
One week removed from facing incessant pressure and four sacks vs. ONU, Moeglin regained his pocket presence with a triple-digit passer rating and quick release on nearly every throw.
The Canton native connected with the entirety of the tight end room, including Jake Santiago for a six-yard score and Danny Disbrow for a 17-yard strike. Anthony Leonetti also hauled two catches for 22 yards, capping off the triple threat.
Moeglin spread the wealth across the depth chart, finding William Woods, Brian Kornowski and Eddie Williamson for 181 combined yards and a touchdown.
Stout defense limits run
While Thomas Wibbeler approached the 300-yard mark through the air, the Crusaders could only gain 25 rushing yards on 22 attempts.
The rush defense forced head coach Chad Rogosheske to employ a one-sided approach, mainly because of Mason McKenrick’s seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss (13 yards) and 1.5 sacks (eight yards).
Will Bush, Chris Hadley, Conner Bogard and Cal Reynolds notched four tackles apiece to solidify the unit’s hard-fought effort.
Weather and attendance
John Carroll (4-3, 4-2 OAC) and Capital (1-6, 1-5 OAC) drew 1,973 fans under sunny skies and 70-degree temperatures.
OAC update
Ohio Northern (5-2, 4-2 OAC) beat Muskingum (1-6, 0-6 OAC), Marietta (4-3, 3-3 OAC) topped Heidelberg (5-2, 4-2 OAC) and Mount Union (7-0, 6-0 OAC) crushed Wilmington (2-5, 1-5 OAC).
Up next
The Blue Streaks battle the Muskingum Fighting Muskies next Saturday at 1:30 p.m. from Don Shula Stadium in University Heights, Ohio.
Photo credit: John Carroll University Sports Information Department
John Alfes has covered John Carroll University athletics since September of 2014. Follow him on Twitter @JohnAlfes for breaking news and in-depth coverage all season long.
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