PHOTO GALLERY

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein football team finally made its return to the Memorial Stadium turf Friday night, but unfortunately came up short in the closing minutes as Wilmington escaped with a 17-10 victory.

The Quakers, now 2-0 on the year, connected on a touchdown pass from Kyle Barrett to Lathan Jones with 36 seconds left that ended up being the difference.

HOW IT PLAYED OUT:

• Neither side had been able to score as things approached the midway point of the second quarter. Each side punted three times and Wilmington also turned the ball over on downs once.
   
• Special teams put Otterbein in great position to eventually score its lone TD of the night, as Mitch Moyer blocked a punt inside the 10-yard line that Andrew Brazell quickly recovered. Quarterback Logan Pharmer snuck around the right side for a touchdown a few plays later.
   
• Wilmington was driving right before intermission, but a timely interception from safety Max Walden kept the game 7-0 entering the break.
   
• The Quakers eventually broke through and tied the game, taking over in great field position midway through the third quarter and soon getting a 12-yard TD strike from Barrett to Jones.
   
• Both teams traded chip-shot field goals early in the fourth. Declan Farrell converted a 25-yard attempt for the Cardinals while counterpart Connor Bucksath made a 23-yard of his own.
   
• A nice punt from Adyn Snyder later pinned Wilmington at its own three-yard line, but a long run up the gut gave the visitors life. Otterbein's Harrison Ivy saved a potential touchdown on that play, but Wilmington continued moving forward nonetheless.
   
• Out of a timeout with 41 seconds left, Barrett went over the top and found Jones from 21 yards for their second scoring connection of the night. Otterbein was unable to advance the ball on its final drive.

 
KEY STATS:

• Wilmington finished with a 348-262 advantage in total offense and also held a 17-9 edge in first downs.
   
• The Cardinal defense played admirably for most of the way, finding ways to get off the field multiple times after Wilmington came into plus territory.
   
• Linebacker Greg Nolder led all defensive players with 13 tackles, while Max Bruckner and Walden both added 10.
   
• Otterbein committed 11 penalties for 72 yards.
   
• Jack Iannarino had five catches for 97 yards, including 65 on one key play, while Reed Tucker hauled in three for 60. Siraj Muhammad rushed for 67 yards on 13 carries from the backfield.
   
• Both teams went 4 of 16 on third down.

 
LOOKING AHEAD:

• Otterbein will have a bye next week before eventually getting back to action come Friday, April 2 at home against Heidelberg.