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Week 6 Football Preview: #14/16 Blue Streaks Set for Community Day

| By: Dylan Feltovich, Staff Writer
The Blue Streaks will welcome all kids for free to the game on Community Day.
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS -- The John Carroll Football team is back home this weekend, and will take on the Polar Bears of Ohio Northern.

Last weekend, John Carroll was battle-tested against a strong Marietta team that took them to the end. The Blue Streaks were able to take a road victory against the Pioneers, 31-28. John Carroll had a 21-0 lead heading into the second quarter, thanks to the Joe Collins/Brennan Fugh combination and a pivotal interception from Jacob Hufnagel. Marietta mounted a comeback in the second half, but the Blue Streaks sealed the deal when Collins found Lucas D'Orazio for a 48-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and then Jahiem Peake tallied a key sack. 

The Polar Bears are coming off a tough road loss to #2 Mount Union last week, 35-0. ONU held their own for the first half, only allowing a touchdown late in the second quarter. The third quarter led to the demise of the potential upset, as the Purple Raiders erupted for 21 points. The ONU offense was unable to compete, only totalling 131 yards throughout the contest.

John Carroll has been in control of the series as of recently, winning the last four matchups against the Polar Bears. Last year, the Blue Streaks traveled to Ada, OH and cruised to a 24-7 victory. While the offense did not light up the statsheet, JCU's defense held the ONU to under 200 total yards of offense. Both Jaheim Peake and Bricker Thiel forced a fumble, and the defensive unit controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the contest.

The Offenses 

JCU
Facing a tough defensive front in Marietta last week, John Carroll was able to spark their offense through the air in the first quarter. This week, Head Coach Jeff Behrman '95 and the Blue Streaks will try to return to their balanced attack against ONU.

When it comes to a strong quarterback in the OAC, Joe Collins is someone you want to have in the back pocket. The Michigan native has shined leading to an undefeated record in the OAC so far. The offensive line keeps Collins' uniform clean, with only allowing one sack last week against Marietta and just two on the year. Against the Pioneers, Collins threw 16-for-21 for 217 yards in the 31-28 victory on the road. 

Although wide receivers are known for catching passes, tight end Lucas D'Orazio led the team with 94 yards over 5 receptions. A wide receiver to look out for against the Polar Bears will be Brennan Fugh, who scored two touchdowns against the Pioneers. 

The junior duo of Evan McVay and Mason Sullivan will look to pick up their rushing attack from last year against ONU. The running back room that is filled with experience will look to exploit a defense that has allowed over 177 yards per game on the ground.

ONU
Statistically, Ohio Northern is not a team that lights up the sheet. But, they have been able to scrap points every week against tough competition. The Polar Bears' multiple looks on offense allows them to keep teams off balance, along with having the ability to establish their run game.

Freshman running back Seth Borondy has been the key to establishing the run game for ONU. The new contributor has been making a name for himself this season, averaging 60 yards on the ground in conference games. Borondy and Ohio Northern's notoriously-stout defense allows for them to increase their passing efforts.

In the air, quarterback Brennon Norris has been adequate in leading Ohio Northern. While he is coming off a game where his usage was down, Norris has been constant throughout the season. His main target, tight end Noah Miller, was an honorable mention All-OAC in his freshman campaign. 

The Defenses

JCU
The emphasis of "doing your part" will be the major key for success on defense heading into this matchup.

And for doing their part, freshman Jacob Hufnagel has risen to the challenge for the Blue Streaks. Last week on Marietta's first drive, Hufnagel had an interception to give JCU good field position in their second drive.

As for the front seven, they will look to continue their high-intensity of getting after the quarterback. The run defense will look to step up yet again and stop an ONU rushing attack that averages around 137 yards per game on the ground.

ONU
While some aspects of their team are young, Ohio Northern's defense is filled with veteran players. In total, the starters on defense have combined for over 160 games played.

The ONU defense will look to cause trouble for the Blue Streaks with their 3-3 stack look — a defense JCU has yet to face. The multiple safeties on the field provide more versatility on defense, and makes it a challenge to read the coverages pre-snap.

Like their offensive line, the Polar Bears front seven has a ton of strength that allows them to stop the run and get after the quarterback. Most of their veterans are included in the trenches, making it easier for them to control any efforts from opponents.

Graduate Student Josh Bever leads this defense, and is a force up front. The 2022 First Team All-OAC member has racked up four sacks on the season.

Special Teams

On special teams, the Blue Streaks have a star in Yanni Volas. The junior earned OAC Special Teams Athlete of the Week honors for his efforts against Marietta, as he was perfect on extra points, kicked a 35-yard field goal, and pinned the Pios inside their 20-yard line on a punt. 

Jonmichael Elliott is Ohio Northern's man. The junior is 2-for-3 on field goals, 10-for-10 on extra points, and averages a nice 42.1 yards per punt. 
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