With the game on the line, the most experienced group on the John Carroll football roster turned in a collective clutch performance.

Reese Armstrong and Michael Hollins each intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter, and the offense scored the touchdown it needed as John Carroll defeated Ohio Northern, 20-16, in Ada, Ohio on Saturday evening.

Golphin was the leading rusher for the Blue Streaks, racking up 109 yards and the go-ahead touchdown. It is the fifth consecutive game in which the junior has averaged more than 5.0 yards per carry. Sam Kukura added 60 rushing yards and two touchdowns, marking his third game with multiple scores.

The JCU defense surrendered some big plays, and allowed its second first half touchdown of the year, but came up big when it mattered most. In the second half, the Blue Streaks limited Ohio Northern to -20 yards rushing while allowing just three points on a third quarter field goal.

Armstrong had five tackles and a career-high two interceptions, and has now set a personal-high with three interceptions on the season. Jovon Dawson had six tackles, including two for a loss, to lead the team. 

The teams traded punts to begin the contest before JCU broke open the scoring. The Blue Streaks ran the ball five times inside the 15-yard line to reach the end zone on a one-yard Kukura run. Matt Danko's extra point was blocked. Christiaan Williams answered on the next drive with 78 yards on four carries, culminating with a 63-yard touchdown run. The extra point was no good, and the first quarter ended with the team tied at six.

Will Freed and company opened the quarter with an 88-yard touchdown drive capped off by a Reed Allen touchdown catch.

JCU would tie the game with another Kukura TD rush, ending a seven minute, 80-yard drive with 1:27 left in the half. ONU threatened late in the half, but Reese Armstrong picked off Freed at the JCU 22-yard line and stunted the momentum.

ONU took the 16-13 lead on a field goal with 8:27 left in the third, and appeared to be seizing control following a three-and-out by John Carroll deep in its own territory. But the defense began making momentum changing plays. Its started with Dylan Hall forcing a fumble that Mason McKenrick recovered at the John Carroll 22. 

The Blue Streaks were unable to capitalize following a 15-play drive that resulted in a missed field goal, but John Carroll's defense answered the bell again when Hollins picked off a Freed pass, setting up the offense at the Polar Bears' 37-yard line. Four plays later, Golphin scored what would be the game-winning touchdown with 10:26 left to play.

After Golphin's touchdown, the Polar Bears could not get traction against the John Carroll defense. The last three Ohio Northern drives ended in an interception (by Armstrong), a fumble (a punt snap recovered by Joe Pool) and a turnover on downs, and accounted for minus-nine yards of total yardage. 

John Carroll finished the game with a time of possession advantage of 39:20 to 20:40. Ohio Northern had a one-yard advantage in yards gained (310-309), but the Blue Streaks had a decided advantage in first downs (22-12) and caused four turnovers while committing just one.

JCU comes home next weekend to play Capital University. Kickoff with the Crusaders is set for 1:30 p.m. at Shula Stadium on Oct. 22.