In their final road game of the season, the John Carroll University football team defeated the Otterbein Cardinals 52-16 on Saturday afternoon in Westerville.

It was the tale of two halves, as JCU needed a late touchdown just to take a 14-9 lead at the end of the first 30 minutes. In the second half, the Blue Streaks erupted for 38 points while holding their hosts to seven.

"I'm very proud of our guys belief in one another and trust in each other that each man vowed to step up and make plays today," said head coach Rick Finotti.
 
The receivers were the game changers, accounting for four of the six Blue Streak touchdowns. Brian Kornowski led the team in TD's with two, while Kody Kidd, Jake Santiago, Ro Golphin, and Danny Disbrow each had one.
 
Kornowski was the only scorer in the first quarter. The wide receiver made his way to the end zone after catching a one-yard pass from Anthony Moeglin to give the Blue Streaks the 7-0 lead.

Otterbein would then answer back with a touchdown to open the second, but missed the extra point to keep John Carroll in the lead at 7-6. However, the Cardinals would take their only lead after the game when they kicked a field goal to take a 9-7 lead.
 
The momentum would quickly shift back to the Blue Streaks. With less than one minute left in the half, Santiago scored the second John Carroll touchdown when he connected with Moeglin for a one-yard pass to close out the half with a 14-9 lead.

"I just reminded the guys all their efforts and commitment to this program and each other," said Finotti about what he told the team at the break. "It was about the seniors willing the team ... The kickoff team set the tone in the 2nd half with great blocks and effort to score right out the gate."
 
The play Finotti referenced opened the second half of play, as Ro Golphin broke free for a 98-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff to give the Blue Streak a 12-point lead at 21-9.
 
Kody Kidd then got in the scoring run to tack on six more for John Carroll. After the extra point from Matt Danko, the Blue Streaks closed out the quarter with a 28-16 lead.
 
John Carroll continued to score in the fourth quarter. Disbrow tacked on the first touchdown for John Carroll when he connected with Moeglin for a 30-yard pass.

"They were outstanding today," said quarterback Anthony Moeglin of his receiving corps. "We thew the most passes of the year today and they responded and answered the call. It was an awesome performance."

Mason McKenrick then followed with a 68-yard interception, resulting in a pick six for John Carroll (42-16). McKenrick's touchdown was the third of his career.
 
The Blue Streaks did not stop there. Kownowski tallied his second touchdown of the day in addition to Danko kicking a field goal, securing the 52-16 win over Otterbein.

"We wanted the offense to come out and take control of the game but our return unit took care of it and Ro took the opening kick to the end zone," said Moeglin, who was 27-27 for 269 yards and four touchdowns. "And then the defense came up with a few turnovers and our offense just steadily moved the ball and consistently scored."

The JCU defense surrendered just 16 points despite Otterbein racking up 454 yards of offense. Big plays abounded, as McKenrick had a fumble recovery to go along with his interception, Tyshawn Jones had his third interceptions of the season to tie for the team lead, and Ariel Jimenez came up with a fumble recovery also. Three players -- Adam Thompson, Conner Boagrd and Jimmy Thomas -- combined for four sacks totaling 15 yards. Bogard also caused one of the fumbles.

Special teams also played a role. Chad Stalnaker had one punt of 40 yards and pinned Otterbein inside its 20, the combination of Golphin, Eddie Williamson amassed 165 yards on four kick returns, and Matt Danko went 7-for-7 on PAT's and made a 21-yard field goal.
 
John Carroll will next head home to host Mount Union in their final home game of the season next Saturday, November 11 at 1:30 p.m.