box score

Roller-coaster rides were not an intended part of Homecoming weekend at John Carroll University, but the Blue Streaks took their fans on one this afternoon at Don Shula Stadium

After building a 17-point lead and then giving up a 17-point lead, John Carroll eventually won by a 20-17 score in thrilling fashion over crosstown rival Baldwin-Wallace College.

In the 47th all-time meeting between the schools and the 19th in the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl series, John Carroll was hoping to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to nationally ranked #12 Ohio Northern last Saturday. Baldwin-Wallace, in the meantime, was looking to remain undefeated and improve upon a #10 national ranking.

"We struggled last weak and needed a win and a good offensive performance, said JCU head coach Regis Scafe. "We accomplished both, but it came right down to the end. What a game."

The Blue Streaks knew they needed to start off hot.  After forcing a fumble in Baldwin-Wallace territory, the Blue Streaks offense was able to capitalize.  Mark Petruziello elected to use his legs to get into the end zone from five yards out and Josiah Kedzior connected on the extra point in order to put the Streaks up 7-0 early in the 1st quarter. 

Later in the first quarter, John Carroll's defense came up big once again and ultimately forced a three-and-out, giving Petruziello another opportunity to show his running ability.  Petruziello was able to hook up with his favorite receiver of late, Frank Ross, for an 18 yard pick up on which enabled John Carroll to march down to the Baldwin-Wallace six yard line.  After a rush from Rai Stover of a yard, Petruziello once again made magic happen with his feet running in for his second rushing touchdown of the game.  After another Kedzior extra point John Carroll was up comfortably 14-0.

While JCU piled up nearly 200 yards in the first half, Baldwin-Wallace was held to one first down and 22 yards of offense.

Going into the second half with John Carroll up 14-0, the Blue Streaks continued to put up points and extend their lead.  Ken Bevington forced a fumble deep in B-W territory that ultimately led to a 31-yard Kedzior field goal putting the Streaks up 17-0. 

Put into a deep hole, Baldwin-Wallace quarterback Anthony Gardner would lead his team out.

A short kickoff set up Baldwin-Wallace with a short field, and the Yellow Jackets took advantage. Gardner, who had been splitting time in the game with Mickey Mental, hooked up on a long pass with Vinny Latessa, a 16 yard gain that put the Yellow Jackets in John Carroll territory.  Gardner took over from there rushing for 17 yards on three plays during the drive which then set up a Nick Ranallo 2-yard touchdown run cutting John Carroll's lead to 17-7. 

For the entire fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets picked apart the Streaks secondary.  The first drive of the fourth quarter for the Yellow Jackets was all Gardner as he was able to hook up with Latessa for a huge gain of 41 yards, putting the Jackets on John Carroll's 16 yard line.  Gardner eventually hooked up with Matt Lepley for a 12-yard touchdown reception again cutting the lead to 17-14.

John Carroll looked to have had the game sealed when Gardner threw an interception retrieved by Derrick Buell on the Streaks 32-yard line.  However, the Blue Streaks offense could not get the needed first downs to run the clock and were forced to punt.  The Blue Streaks defensively buckled down and forced Gardner into two incomplete passes. The Yellow Jackets turned to placekicker Adam Wilburn, and he nailed a 37-yard field goal just inside the right upright to tie the game at 17-17.

Neither team was able to muster a final drive, and for the second time in the history of the series -- the first since 1997) -- the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl would be decided in overtime. 

JCU would get the ball first and convert one first down to reach the 14-yard line. But back-to-back losses led to Blue Streaks attempting a 37-yard field goal.  Kedzior, who began the game 1-4 on the year in field goal attempts, calmly drilled the kick to put the Streaks up 20-17

"That field goal was huge," said Scafe. "We needed to put up points and then turn it over to  our defense. We were hoping we could get a turnover to win it." 

On Baldwin-Wallace's second play of their overtime drive, Gardner came under pressure and floated a pass over the middle that was intercepted by junior linebacker Mike Nettling to seal the win and recapture the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl Trophy for the first time since 2004.

Baldwin-Wallace outgained JCU, 337-278.