WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College football team kicks off its 2019 season under the lights against Olivet College (Michigan) on Saturday, Sept. 7. Kickoff from Williams Stadium is slated for 7 p.m.
The Teams: Wilmington and Olivet. The Fightin' Quakers are looking to improve on a 1-9 campaign from a season ago, though Wilmington did win its non-conference game in that campaign. The Comets completed the 2018 season with a 6-4 record and a 4-3 finish in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Olivet did compete against one Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) school, falling 21-17 to Heidelberg University in the opener.
The Coaches: Bryan Moore, a 1999 graduate of Hiram College, begins his third season leading Wilmington's football program. Moore began instilling his vision on the program having brought in two large freshman classes. He has two victories over Earlham College and snapped a 40-game OAC losing streak by defeating Capital University in his first season. Previously, Moore spent time at both Bluffton University and Heidelberg University. Dan Musielewicz is also in his third season as Olivet's head coach.
The Offense: Kyle Barrett returns for his junior season quarterbacking the Wilmington offense. Entering his second year as the starting signal caller, the Beechcroft High School alumnus is looking to build on his 2,041-yard campaign a season ago. Barrett's top two targets from 2018 also return in Ace Taylor and Luke Richardson. Taylor led Wilmington in receptions with 52 while Richardson, a Second Team All-OAC honoree, grabbed 27 catches for 561 yards and nine touchdowns. The Comets will need to replace their quarterback, who threw for 1,912 yards in 2018, their two 1,000-yard rushers and their top two receivers.
The Defense: Tre'Quez Parks, a Second Team All-OAC honoree in 2018, returns for his junior campaign looking to build up a 100-tackle season. Fellow junior Tavion Bryant, a starter in Wilmington's linebacker unit, also returns having made 62 tackles including 5.5 for loss in 2018. The Quakers' two cornerbacks, Que Taylor and Parris Weathersby, also return to bolster the secondary. The Comets, similar to their situation on offense, are looking to replace their top three tacklers from 2018. Andrew Campbell, who had two sacks and forced a fumble last season, returns for Olivet.
Tale of the Tape (2018): Points per game – Wilmington 22.3, Olivet 38.9, points per game allowed – Wilmington 43.0, Olivet 26.2, yards per game – Wilmington 325.3, Olivet 443.6, yards per game allowed – Wilmington 465.4, Olivet 363.8, passing yards per game – Wilmington 215.3, Olivet 200.0, passing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 193.0, Olivet 179.4, rushing yards per game – Wilmington 110.0, Olivet 243.6, rushing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 272.4, Olivet 184.4.
Series History: Wilmington is 1-3 against Olivet in the last two decades. Last time the two teams met at Williams Stadium, the Comets claimed a 48-27 victory. More information on the series history can be viewed by visiting the link above.
White Out: The Quakers will be wearing white for the contest. Fans are encouraged to do the same!
Coverage: Live statistics and live video of the game will be available – visit the links above.
Social Media: Follow Wilmington athletics on social media! The Fightin' Quakers have a presence on Facebook (Wilmington College Athletics) as well as Twitter and Instagram (@DubCQuakers).
Up Next: Wilmington opens OAC play at Heidelberg University next Saturday.
