LIVE STATS (to come)
WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College football team kicks off Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) competition on Saturday when the Fightin' Quakers travel to Heidelberg University for a 1:30 p.m. contest.
The Teams: Wilmington and Heidelberg. The Quakers are looking to bounce back after a close 20-17 loss to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) member Olivet College on Saturday evening. The Student Princes, who also played an MIAA opponent, downed Adrian College 57-7 on their season-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. Scott Donaldson is in his 16th season on the Heidelberg staff including his fourth as head coach. The Student Princes have achieved a winning record in each of his three seasons as head coach.
The Offense: Kyle Barrett threw for 212 yards and a touchdown in Wilmington's season-opener against Olivet. The second-year signal caller was involved in both Quaker touchdowns having scampered for the other on 4th-and-goal from the one-yard line. Malik Sims was Wilmington's leading rusher while Ace Taylor hauled in eight receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. Jimmy Gephart, the reigning OAC Offensive Player of the Week, completed 25-of-35 passes for 330 yards and six touchdowns in the Berg's win at Adrian. Branden Short rushed for 117 yards while Keivon Belcher hauled in eight receptions for 103 yards and three touchdowns.
The Defense: Tavion Bryant led Wilmington in tackles with 11 including six solo tackles on Saturday. Eli Berner and Ameer Jackson both had over seven tackles while Brandon Lemley and Tre'Quez Parks both forced fumbles. Finally, Parris Weathersby and Brandon Weaver both tallied sacks for the Quakers. Tramon Wiley intercepted two passes for Heidelberg at Adrian while Tyler Matuszak made a team-high six tackles including three for loss.
Tale of the Tape: Points per game – Wilmington 17.0, Heidelberg 57.0, points per game allowed – Wilmington 20.0, Heidelberg 7.0, yards per game – Wilmington 259.0, Heidelberg 591.0, yards per game allowed – Wilmington 265.0, Heidelberg 228.0, passing yards per game – Wilmington 212.0, Heidelberg 365.0, passing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 97.0, Heidelberg 165.0, rushing yards per game – Wilmington 47.0, Heidelberg 260.0, rushing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 168.0, Heidelberg 119.0.
Series History: Wilmington is 8-11 against Heidelberg since joining the OAC prior to the 2000 season. The Student Princes have beaten the Quakers the last 10 matchups, however. More information on the series history can be viewed by visiting the link above.
Coverage: Live statistics, live video and live audio 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 returns home for a date with Ohio Northern University on homecoming weekend.
