Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Costanzo and Palmer
Ben Peskar
Nick Costanzo strip sacks Marietta's Connor Vierstra, allowing for Michael Palmer (#28) to score on a 77 yard fumble return, the second longest in JCU regular season history.
10
Marietta MAR 2-3 , 1-3
45
Winner John Carroll JCU 4-1 , 4-0
Marietta MAR
2-3 , 1-3
10
Final
45
John Carroll JCU
4-1 , 4-0
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
MAR Marietta 0 7 3 0 10
JCU John Carroll 14 21 7 3 45

Game Recap: Football | | Noah Tylutki, Graduate Assistant

Football's All-Around Effort Leads to Dominating Win In 100th Game At Don Shula Stadium

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The magic number was 100.

Evan McVay and Brennan Fugh had over 100 yards rushing and receiving, respectfully.

Michael Palmer's 77 yard fumble return for a touchdown late in the second quarter was the second longest in the regular season in JCU's 100 seasons of football.

And John Carroll celebrated their 100th football game at Don Shula Stadium with a dominating 45-10 victory over Marietta to improve their record to 4-1 (4-0 OAC).

"We performed well," Blue Streak interim head coach Drew Nystrom said.  "I know the defense is not satisfied with giving up 10 points, but I thought for the most part we came out and were physical on both sides of the ball.  Credit goes to the coaching staff in all three phases for getting their guys ready to go."

After the Pioneers forced JCU to punt on their opening possession, the Blue Streaks took advantage of a 27 yard Marietta punt with a drive capped off by a 10 yard touchdown from Demerius Goodwin to go up 7-0.

On their following drive, Fugh caught a 30 yard touchdown pass from Joe Collins on a bubble screen to increase their advantage to 14-0 where it would remain at the end of the first quarter.

Then, McVay scored on the first play of the second as he slashed through the defense for a 70 yard touchdown run to go up three scores.

The Pioneers got on the board to make the game 21-7 during the following drive with a Connor Vierstra one yard keeper, on a possession aided by a game-high 61 yard pass from Vierstra to John Sierputowski.

John Carroll answered right back, highlighted by a McVay one handed catch in the middle of the field for a six yard touchdown to put their lead back to three possessions.

Marietta knocked on the door during their ensuing drive, as they drove to the JCU 12 yard line.  On a 4th down and five, Nick Costanzo sacked Vierstra while forcing the ball free as Palmer picked it up and ran to paydirt with just 14 seconds remaining in the half.

"That's our defense," Nystrom said.  "In the time that I've been here, our defense has always stepped up and made plays like that.  Coach (Jeff) Long (defensive coordinator) always has those guys ready to go and they are always ready and willing to make plays.  That was an absolute momentum killer for Marietta."

The Blue Streaks continued to dominate in the second half as McVay scored his third touchdown of the game on an 11 yard throw from Collins to go up 42-7.

Lucas Shepherd added a 36 yard field goal for Marietta late in the third, while Yanni Volas tacked on a 39 yard kick in the fourth for the game's final scores.

Collins was an efficient 15-of-19 for 195 yards and three touchdowns.  McVay needed only six carries to gain 111 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards, both for scores.  Fugh also tallied 106 yards through the air on four catches and a touchdown.

Tyler Thimons led the way defensively with 10 tackles for John Carroll while Kiefer Askew had three pass breakups from his cornerback position.

Daniel Gallagher Jr. also racked up over 100 yards on returns (76 on punt returns, 41 on kick returns) and had a 71 yard punt return touchdown called back because of a penalty in the second quarter.

Marietta's Bryce Agnew, the OAC's leader in rushing yards per game, had 119 on 26 attempts.  Sierputowski had 100 yards on four catches as well. 

"We really want to be known for attitude, effort, and finish," Nystrom said.  "It shows when our guys practice.  They're taking it seriously, especially our scout team with how hard they make it on the starters during practice.  Our players want to be coached hard and want to be corrected on their mistakes in practice and in games.  I think we're starting to show those dividends on the field where guys are stepping up and making plays."

JCU will travel to Ada and face Ohio Northern next on Saturday, October 15.  Kickoff is set for 1:30pm.
Print Friendly Version

Sponsors