Box Score
BEXLEY, OHIO—Otterbein got 13 points from special teams in the first half and then went scoreless in the second half, losing, 23-13, at cross-town rival Capital Saturday afternoon in Bernlohr Stadium.
The Cardinals dropped to 3-3 overall and into a share of sixth place in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) at 2-3. The Crusaders improved to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in league play. The Cardinals return home to play Muskingum next Saturday on homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Capital took the early lead with a 21-yard field goal from sophomore place-kicker Nick VanMeter with 2:12 remaining in the first period.
Otterbein junior defensive back Dominic Jones took the ensuing kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown to give Otterbein a 7-3 lead. It was his third return for a touchdown this season.
Capital responded on its next possession, going 61 yards in 10 plays to retake the lead, 10-7, with 12:56 to play in the second period. Senior wide receiver Ryan Gunnarson recovered a fumble in the end zone after senior wide receiver Kevin Wehby made a 13-yard reception and lost the ball. Otterbein sophomore free safety Shea Brintlinger was credited with the forced fumble.
Otterbein senior place-kicker David Brewer closed out the half with a pair of field goals of 31 and 34 yards to give the Cardinals a 13-10 lead at the break.
The Capital defense took over in the second period. Otterbein entered Capital territory just twice in the second half, which resulted in a missed 47-yard field goal attempt and an interception.
Capital’s game-winning drive took just three plays and 1:13, covering 41 yards and ending in a 19-yard touchdown throw from junior quarterback Kory Hartlinger to Gunnarson with 13:18 to play in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders scored again on a Wehby fumble recovery with 1:05 to play in the game.
Otterbein generated just 40 yards rushing, a season low. The Cardinals finished with 218 yards of total offense.
Sophomore quarterback Austin Schlosser completed 13 of 28 pass attempts for 178 yards. He threw two interceptions. Senior wide receiver Steve Kuzyk made six receptions for 87 yards. Junior wide receiver Trey Fairchild finished with four catches for 56 yards.
Senior running back Colton Coy carried the ball 10 times for 28 yards. He had one reception for 19 yards.
Senior defensive end Will Brown led both teams with 12 tackles, including six unassisted. Brintlinger, senior outside linebacker Wil Longsdorf, and senior defensive end Chaz Horsley, were credited with nine tackles each.
