WAYNESBURG, Pa. – In the last several seasons, John Carroll Football has scuffled in the season opener.
That was not the case today.
The Blue Streaks rolled in a lopsided victory at Waynesburg University, 48-14, marking the program's first fall-opening victory since 2019. JCU's point total marked its highest in its opener since 2002.
Along the way, Nick Semptimphelter made history. In completing 25-of-26 passes, the graduate student set an NCAA Division III record for completion percentage in a game, minimum 20 passes, at 96.2%.
"It's exciting but I'd be remiss if I didn't thank my teammates," said Semptimphelter. "The offensive line did a great job protecting me today and it wouldn't be possible without our receivers. I know my name will be on it, but it's a team record in my opinion."
Semptimphelter was far from JCU's only star in the game. Kenneth Rawls found the end zone twice for the second time in his Carroll career. First year Keller Moten made quite the freshman impression, finding the end zone twice on quarterback keepers.
On the opening drive of the season, the Blue Streaks marched down the field on short throws with a couple runs mixed in. JCU finished the drive with a playaction touchdown from Nick Semptimphelter to Kenneth Rawls on a 2-yard strike. The extra point missed to keep it at 6-0 JCU. Despite being pushed back by a false start and a Joe Thimons sack, the Yellow Jackets picked up a 3rd and 14 on their first series, but stalled thereafter.
A pair of penalties threatened to knock JCU off its groove, but Tyren Montgomery proved to be clutch in getting JCU out of trouble. Once inside the red zone, Keller Moten took a quarterback keeper into the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown. Moten's run caught Waynesburg unaware, good for the Walsh Jesuit grad's first collegiate TD.
JCU felt in full control after the first quarter with a 13-0 lead, plus a 150-22 advantage in yards.
After a failed Waynesburg drive, Kenneth Rawls provided a jolt to the JCU offense with a 62-yard reception, dodging and dragging defenders much of the way. A few plays later, Rawls hauled in his second TD reception of the day, again on a playaction pass. A Colin Schuler PAT upped the advantage to 20-0. A three-and-out for Waynesburg then yielded a safety, with a high snap out of the end zone making it 22-0 JCU near the midpoint of the second quarter.
Short passes from Semptimphelter to Shane Lindstrom plus Quincy Newsom gash runs setup JCU in the red zone again. For the second time, Moten dashed into the end zone on a running play. Schuler's extra point kicked the lead to 29-0 with 4:54 left in the half.
JCU added two more points to the scoreboard on a Cohen Klimak safety, thanks to a low snap on a Waynesburg punt. And the Blue Streaks weren't done yet.
The Blue Streaks marched down the field 64 yards to conclude the first half. Montgomery took a sweep play 23 yards to paydirt, aided by impressive blocks by Lindstrom, Thomas Shondel, and Troy Mrukowski.
At the half, the Blue Streaks stood in full control, 38-0. JCU outgained Waynesburg by a wide margin, 344-14.
Semptimphelter assembled one of the most impressive halves in not just JCU Football history, but in NCAA Division III history. Semptimphelter completed 21-of-21 passes in the first half. The NCAA record holder for completion percentage, minimum 20 completions? Mark Petruziello, who finished 21-of-22 against Thomas More in JCU's 2008 season opener.
"We did a great job running the ball, offensive line did a great job in pass protection," said Semptimphelter. "Our receivers did a great job of catching the ball and getting up the field."
The Yellow Jackets got on the board in the third quarter following a JCU turnover, with a 61-yard scoring strike.
Semptimphelter's first incompletion at last arrived on a dropped pass at the 6:11 mark of the third quarter. Despite this, JCU's drive went all the way down the field into the red zone, where Quincy Newsom completed things with a short touchdown run for a 45-7 lead.
An Ivory Travers interception on a deflected pass gave the Blue Streaks the ball deep in Waynesburg territory right before the start of the fourth quarter. Colin Schuler soon sent in a 20-yard field goal through the uprights to increase the lead. JCU finished things off with ease late.
Mason Rus topped the defense with 8 tackles, adding 1.5 tackles for loss. Chris Golson enjoyed a nice day with 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, and 1 pass breakup. Joe Thimons also notched 4 tackles and 1 sack.
Rawls and Montgomery both finished with 6 receptions, for 97 and 80 yards, respectively. Seven players carried the rock today, with Newsom finishing with a team-high 45 yards.
"We had a really good week of preparation," said Rus. "We knew we had to play fast and be disciplined. This is an awesome win. For the seniors, this is our first time getting a win week one. That is huge. I'm excited for next week."
Next Up
John Carroll will remain on the road next week, heading to #3 Johns Hopkins on September 13.
