WESTERVILLE – The Wilmington College football team was outscored 16-0 in the third quarter as they fell to Otterbein Saturday, 30-14, in the Ohio Athletic Conference opener for both teams at Memorial Stadium.
The Wilmington defense was victimized by short fields all game long as none of the Cardinals' scoring drives were longer than 49 yards. Two of the OC scoring drives came after the WC offense failed to convert on fourth down chances.
Otterbein took the lead it wouldn't relinquish on a 20-yard field goal early in the third quarter. The Cardinals gained possession on the nine yardline following an interception. Wilmington toughened with its back to against the wall, forcing the field goal attempt.
Struggles in the kicking game, forced Wilmington to start deep in its own zone. As the offense struggled to find its way, Otterbein benefitted with good field possession to score its other two third-quarter scores.
The Cardinals scored on a three-play, 27-yard drive and a seven-play, 49-yard drive to complete the scoring.
After OC scored the lone score in the first quarter, the Quakers' defense set up the next score. Pressure by sophomore Nick Williams forced a bad pitch on the option and the loose ball was recovered by junior Jason Phillips on the 38.
Four plays later, senior Brandon Arehart hooked up with classmate Kyle Akers from six-yards out.
Otterbein reclaimed the lead on a 19-yard pass, but Wilmington answered right before the end of the half when freshman Zak Kruer broke a 41-yard run with 1:06 left in the second quarter. Kruer finished with 76 yards rushing on 15 carries.
Arehart finished the game 24-of-42 for 228 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His favorite target was sophomore Jeremy Duncan, who hauled in 12 passes for 104 yards. Akers added 80 yards on eight receptions and the aforementioned touchdown reception.
Sophomore Tarrell Starckey and Williams each had 10 tackles, while junior Joe Joe Knecht recorded nine tackles. Starckey added two tackles for loss. Senior Aaron Day and sophomore Linden Ayoki both had sacks for Wilmington.
Wilmington (0-2 overall, 0-1) stays on the road next week to face Heidelberg (2-0) in Tiffin. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.