On Sept. 16, the Wittenberg football team took down the visiting Oberlin Yeomen by a score of 34-0. The Tigers were able to pull off the win on homecoming weekend with many alumni and fans out to support them. From start to finish, the Tigers dominated.
After taking the kickoff, the Tigers were quickly moving the sticks down the field. In a scoring drive that took less than two minutes, the Tigers had a deep pass on the sideline to put themselves in great scoring position. This play set up quarterback Jake Kennedy, ‘19, to run the ball into the end zone from six yards out to open the game.
After the first score, the two teams remained locked at 7-0 through the end of the first quarter. Defense was big for the Tigers as the team held the Yeomen to a three and out before stopping a fourth down run. Opening the second quarter, Terrance Crowe, ‘19, stopped the Yeomen on one of the team’s drive with a huge interception that kept Oberlin out of the red zone. At the end of the second quarter, the Tigers rushed down the field led by running back DeShawn Sarley, ‘19, who racked up 55 yards on the drive along with the touchdown to give Wittenberg the 14-0 lead.
Wittenberg opened the half with a strong defensive stand by holding the Yeomen to a three and out. The Tigers then marched down the field, but failed to capitalize on a field goal attempt. However, on the team’s next drive, Wittenberg marched down the field again and Sarley rushed in from the 1-yard line for a touchdown. The score held tight at 21-0 through the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter led to the Tiger’s putting the finishing touches on the Yeomen. Wittenberg moved its lead to 28-0 with Kennedy throwing a bullet over the middle of the filed to Sam Kayser, ‘21, who bolted ahead of Oberlin defenders for the touchdown. Backup quarterback Ryan Fallon, ‘19, finished out the scoring with a 34-yard scamper. Taylor Clark, ‘18, could not capitalize on the PAT and the Tiger’s went up 34-0.
Sarley had a huge game rushing for 141 yards and was a catalyst for Wittenberg’s offense. For the defense, which delivered a shut-out performance, Michael Ford, ‘19, led the way with 12 tackles, one sack, two pass-breakups and an interception, who was also named NCAC Player of the Week.
According to linebacker Jonathon Seay, ‘20, the defense’s goal for next week is to “stay focus[ed], read our keys and be physical.”
Wittenberg returns to action on the road against the Kenyon Lords on Sept. 23.
