box score

John Carroll battled two enemies today -- the Ohio Northern Polar Bears and themselves -- and came up on the short end of a 23-13 score at Dial-Roberson Stadium in Ada, Ohio.

Although the #12 ranked Polar Bears were the foe across the line, JCU proved to be its own worst enemy by turning the ball over five times, including two times in the fourth quarter when it attempted to make a comeback.

JCU opened the game strong, forcing a three-and-out and Ohio Northern's opening drive and then driving to the Polar Bears' 38-yard line after starting on its own 1-yard line on its opening possession.

But it would be a gutsy call by Ohio Northern on its second position that set an early tone. On a fourth-and-one play on its own side of the field, the Polar Bears broke their huddle and -- instead of lining up to punt -- sprinted to the line and ran an offensive play that  caught JCU off guard and covered seven yards.

From there, ONU would score the game's first touchdown on a one-yard plunge by R. J. Meadows.

John Carroll had opportunities, but two opportunties in Ohio Northern territory ended on an interception and on a sack that forced a punt. Jake Heaphy added a 25-yard field goal with nine seconds left in the half for the Polar Bears to take a 10-0 lead into intermission.

A turnover would set up Ohio Northern for a touchdown early in the third quarter, as Eric Wenzler picked off Mark Petruziello on the second play of the second half. Seven plays and 60 yards later, Meadows scored his second touchdown for a 17-0 Polar Bears lead.

The final ONU score was set up when John Carroll fumbled a punt. On the very next play, with 6:47 left in the third quarter, Ohio Northern quarterback Jeff Pankratz found Ben Wittwer for a 31-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was missed, leaving the score at 23-0.

John Carroll would finally dent the scoreboard on the second play of the fourth quarter when, on a fourth-and-goal play from the two-yard line, Petruziello found junior receiver Peter Spachner for a touchdown. The drive covered 18 plays and 67 yards, and Josiah Kedzior added the extra point to make the margin 16 points.

Two huge turnovers imploded a comeback attempt for the Blue Streaks, as the next to drives ended with an interception at the Ohio Northern 26, and a fumble at the JCU 40-yard line. By the time John Carroll could score again, on a 1-yard plunge by Petruziello, there was less than two minutes to play.

Ohio Northern improves to 3-0 overall and 2-0 with the win, while JCU loses for just the second time in its last eight games and falls to 2-1 and 1-1 in the OAC.

The JCU defense surrendered 23 points and three touchdowns -- snappinga  streak of three games in which it did not allow an opponent in the end zone. Despite that, 13 of the 23 points were off turnovers in JCU territory, and the Blue Streaks held Ohio Northern to 182 yards below its season average. Ken Bevington led the way with nine tackles and a sack.

The offense was paced with the rushing attack of Rai Stover (80 yards on 13 carries) and Tyler Gingrich (69 yards on 18 carries). Rebere Sparks led all receivers with 88 yards on six catches.