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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
JCU D
Tim Phillis, News Herald
The JCU defense limited ONU's potent offense on Saturday. 
17
Ohio Northern ONU 4-2 , 3-2
27
Winner John Carroll JCU 4-2 , 4-1
Ohio Northern ONU
4-2 , 3-2
17
Final
27
John Carroll JCU
4-2 , 4-1
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
ONU Ohio Northern 0 0 3 14 17
JCU John Carroll 14 0 3 10 27

Game Recap: Football | | Anna Meyer, Senior Staff Writer

Football Finds a Rhythm on Offense and Limits ONU on Defense to Secure Home Win

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- In a battle of two high-powered Ohio Athletic Conference offenses, the John Carroll University Blue Streaks (4-2, 4-1 OAC) came out with power and momentum in the first quarter scoring two touchdowns.

Three quarters later, the Ohio Northern Polar Bears (4-2, 3-2 OAC) gave the Blue and Gold a run for their money as they found their offensive rhythm, scoring two touchdowns in the fourth and final quarter. 

Despite Ohio Northern's last-minute efforts, John Carroll University maintained its destiny, capturing a 27-17 victory. 

"We talked all week about playing a four quarter football game," said John Carroll Football Head Coach, Rick Finotti. "We knew Ohio Northern was a good football team and they showed it today. Our offense did a tremendous job possessing the football. Our players and coaches limited the amount of times their explosive offense got the football."

After the Polar Bears turned over the ball on downs in the first drive of the game, the Blue Streaks' first shot at offense was successful as they scored on a six-play drive.

Jake Floriea threw deep to Brennan Fugh for a 36-yard touchdown. The Blue Streaks' first touchdown was Fugh's six touchdown reception of the season, giving the Blue and Gold a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter. 

Nearly six minutes later, the Blue and Gold iced the Polar Bear's defense again in the first quarter, courtesy of a 29-yard rushing touchdown from freshman Evan McVay. 

The Polar Bears' defense held John Carroll to a field goal attempt after a 15-play drive in the middle of the second quarter. The Blue Streaks were unable to capitalize on the drive as Grant Gonya missed the three-point opportunity. 

John Carroll's defense stayed strong the whole first half, holding the Polar Bears to only 50 rushing yards and 43 passing yards. The Blue Streaks did not give up any points, as they went into the locker room with a 14-0 lead. 

Out of the locker room, the momentum continued for the Blue Streaks, as McVay received an 18-yard pass in the third play of the third quarter. Moments later, McVay continued to move the Blue Streaks offense down the field after receiving a four-yard pass on a fourth-down conversion.  

Eventually, the drive ended with the Blue Streaks punting it to Ohio Northern.

For the first time of the afternoon, the Ohio Northern Polar Bears got on the scoreboard after the Blue Streaks held them to a field goal on a 12-play, 86-yard drive. 

John Carroll wasted no time responding to the Polar Bears' field goal, widening their lead back to 14, courtesy of a Gonya 30-yard field goal.

At the end of the third quarter, the Blue Streak defense stepped up once again as Bricker Thiel forced a fumble and recovered the ball for the Blue and Gold.

Thiel had the most successful game of his career, finishing with 3.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. 

"That was a great quarterback and good offensive line," noted Thiel following his career performance. "I had fun playing with the other guys on the defensive line. Games like this really are fun even though it wasn't the best weather. I love to be out here with my teammates and have a blast with them." 

Eventually, the Blue Streaks took their largest lead of the game, 23-10, via Demerius Goodwin's fourth rushing touchdown of the season. 

Goodwin finished the game with 36 carries and led the team in rushing yards with 172. 

"The offensive line was juiced up today and was ready to go out and dominate today," said Goodwin."That is why we were so successful today." 

Ohio Northern's biggest play of the game came immediately after when quarterback Brody Hahn launched a pass to Chase Rose for a 75-yard touchdown. The Polar Bears' tightened the Blue Streaks lead (24-10) to two possessions.  

The Polar Bears continued to dominate the fourth quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points, resulting in John Carroll holding only a one-possession lead (24-17).

Luckily for the Blue Streaks, they were able to put the finishing touches on the game with Gonya's second field goal of the day, putting the Blue Streaks up 27-17. 

On a 4th and 10, Nick Constanzo recovered a fumble from the Polar Bears after Hahn exposed the ball with a minute left, resulting in John Carroll capturing the victory. 

Floriea finished the game 25-32 with one touchdown and 283 passing yards. Fugh finished the game with eight receptions and 127 yards. 

As a team, John Carroll notched 32 first downs on offense, the most in a game since JCU tallied 34 vs. Wilmington in 2017. 

The Blue Streaks will travel to Marietta, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 23, to face off against the Pioneers in their sixth Ohio Athletic Conference matchup of the 2021 season. 
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