Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Mike Bartusiak vs. ONU
Doug Beigie

Week 7 Football Preview: Blue Streaks Set for Road Contest at Capital

| By: Dylan Feltovich, Staff Writer
Mike Bartusiak and the offensive line look to continue pushing forward against the Comets. 
BEXLEY, Ohio -- The John Carroll Blue Streaks will look to continue their success this weekend, when they travel to Columbus to take on the Capital Comets.

Last week, John Carroll stormed past an Ohio Athletic Conference opponent, Ohio Northern, 44-14. Even with the harsh weather conditions, JCU's offense managed to total 526 yards on offense, thanks to the rushing tandem of Evan McVay and Mason Sullivan. The junior tailbacks accounted for 262 yards on the ground, while quarterback Joe Collins threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns. 

As for the defense, the front seven held the Polar Bear offense in check, allowing only 176 yards of total offense. Senior linebacker Jahiem Peake stepped up huge for the Blue Streaks, totalling 10 tackles, two and a half being for a loss, along with a sack.

Unfortunately for Capital, they had to make the trip to Alliance to take on Division III powerhouse Mount Union last Saturday. This resulted in a 76-0 defeat, dropping the Comets to 1-5 on the season. Freshman Declan McAdams was the bright spot on defense, tallying seven tackles and a sack in the contest.

The battles between John Carroll and Capital have been a one-sided affair, in which the Blue Streaks have controlled the series in recent memory. The last victory for the Comets over JCU was in 2009, and since then, John Carroll has bolstered a 12-game win streak. Last year, Joe Collins and Brennan Fugh torched the Comet's secondary, as Collins would total a career-high 342 yards through the air and four touchdowns in a 42-10 victory. Fugh was at the receiving end of two of Collins' touchdowns, and racked up 176 receiving yards.

The Offenses

JCU
Consistency and balance were the main stressors on offense for JCU last week, and the message has not changed heading into their seventh matchup of the year.

For as hard as they work, the JCU offensive line has finally received the recognition that they rightfully deserve. Last week, the unit was named the OAC players of the week. This comes to no surprise, as the line has only allowed two sacks on the season. Head Coach Jeff Berhman '95 has credited this unit as being one of the hardest working groups in the program. While the stat sheets may not see it, their efforts in the trenches has allowed this JCU's offense to excel each week.

Quarterback Joe Collins proved last weekend why he is one of the best in the OAC. The rain was unable to stop the veteran starter, as he completed 15 of his 21 passes, including a 62-yard completion to freshman wide receiver Doran Facen Jr. Look for Collins to continue his impressive season against a Capital defense that has allowed 338 yards per game through the air.

Collins' air attack is complimented by a receiving core that is loaded with talent. Veteran wideout Joe Torok had a season high four receptions for 50 yards last contest against the Polar Bears, while Brennan Fugh and Tyler Mintz were main red zone threats for the Blue Streaks. Even with experience present throughout the group, Dorian Facen Jr. has quickly emerged as a big threat for JCU. Against Marietta, the freshman shined with his run-blocking ability, which granted him more time on the field. His efforts in the run and pass game have craved him a role in this high-powered offense.

The Blue Streaks can thank their run game for allowing them to excel in the air, as the loaded running back stable has helped the Blue Streaks in establishing the passing attack. Led by Evan McVay and Mason Sullivan, the group has averaged 189 yards per game this season. Both junior running backs finished with over 100 yards on the ground last weekend, and McVay was able to receive his first touchdown of the season. The Comets, on average, have allowed for over 200 yards on the ground, so both McVay and Sullivan could be in line for yet another excellent performance.

Capital
The Comets have gone toe-to-toe with some of the best defensive units this season, and this becomes another week where they will have a talented unit in John Carroll. The heavy RPO system Capital runs allows them to run an efficient, well-balanced offense. This season has brought learning experiences to the offense, as the group tends to be younger in spots.

Through their six games, the Comets have rolled out multiple quarterbacks. The core of quarterbacks have averaged 200 passing yards a game. This is in part to a good rotation of wide receivers, which features a nice blend of young and experienced players. Senior Mike Elmore currently leads the Comets with 445 receiving yards and four touchdowns, while others like Eddie Thomas are quickly emerging as top targets for Capital. Standing at 6'5", Thomas has become the main red zone threat with his five touchdowns on the year.

Like the Blue Streaks, Capital's backfield has depth, which allows them to be fresh throughout the game. Sophomore Tori McClary leads the running backs on the season with 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He is accompanied by redshirt senior Drew Engle, who has averaged over four yards per game in four games.

The Defenses

JCU
The defense was in full-force last weekend, and their high-intensity style of play will be critical to eliminate any momentum for Capital.

John Carroll's front seven was everywhere last weekend, especially senior linebacker Jahiem Peake. His 10 tackle, one sack performance was a season high. The first line of defense forced four tackles for a loss against Ohio Northern, which included Jake Phillips, Chris Golson, Issac Wilson, Joe Thimons and Thomas Faron. In order to stop the RPO-centric offense, The unit will be on alert to identify any challenge the Comets throw at them.

On the back end of the defense, the secondary was in full lockdown mode last weekend. Ohio Northern was only able to complete 12 passes and accumulate 84 yards through the air. Young talents like Jacob Hufnagel have stepped up for the Blue Streaks, as the freshman broke up a pass and excelled in coverage last weekend. Sophomore Lamar Thomas also got the job done, adding four tackles to his statline as well. The secondary will have to help the front seven this weekend in Capital's quick short game.

Capital
The Comet's defense has faced a brutal schedule this season that has featured top-notch offense play this season. Luckily for this side of the ball, there is more veteran help with the addition of young stars.

As mentioned earlier, Declan McAdams is the face of the Comet's defense. The freshman linebacker's five quarterback hits and 3.5 sacks lead the team in 2023. McAdams is a force to be reckoned with in both the run and pass game. He is accompanied by tackle-machine James Curtis, who has 49 total tackles on the year.

Locking down any deep threat is junior safety Tyson Shutler, who has racked up five pass breakups on the season. The younger core of defensive backs on Capital also features sophomore Jaylen Anderson. The Florida product uses his lengthy body in coverage, and will be one of the main guys in Capital's pass defense.

Special Teams

Junior kicker Yanni Yolas will look to bounce back after fighting the harsh conditions this past weekend. Even with the constant rain, Volas knocked in a 27-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter, and made five out of his six PAT attempts.
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories

Sponsors