WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College football team opens its 2021 spring season with an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) contest against Capital University on Friday evening. Kickoff from Williams Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Teams: Wilmington and Capital. The Fightin' Quakers completed their 2019 campaign with a 3-7 overall record that included a victory (41-34) over Capital on senior day. The Crusaders, though now under new leadership, were winless a season ago.
The Coaches: Bryan Moore, a 1999 graduate of Hiram College, begins his fourth season leading Wilmington's football program. Moore began instilling his vision on the program having brought in three large freshman classes. He led the Quakers to the program's best record in over a decade in 2019. Previously, Moore spent time at both Bluffton University and Heidelberg. Brian Foos, a 2003 graduate of Otterbein University, enters his first season as Capital's head football coach. He came to Bexley from OAC member Baldwin Wallace University having been the Yellow Jackets' offensive coordinator the previous two seasons.
The Offenses: Wilmington returns two-year starting quarterback Kyle Barrett who threw for nearly 2,500 yards in 2019. Two of Barrett's favorite targets - Itika Wynn Jr. and Ace Taylor - also return having caughter over 60 passes each in 2019. The Quakers also return 4-of-5 starters on the offensive line. Capital returns both Mitchell Machock and Justin McClelland, who split time at quarterback a season ago. The Crusaders' top receiving threat, David Barnett, left the program due to graduation.
The Defenses: The Quakers return two of their top three tackles in Tre'Quez Parks and Tavion Bryant, both of which were All-OAC selections a season ago and tallied at least 90 tackles. Austin Aiello, who was one of five Wilmington individuals to intercept a pass last season, returns to the defensive backfield while Brandon Lemley and Brandon Weaver return to anchor the defensive line. The Crusaders will need to replace their top two tackles from 2019 as both have graduated. Nick Fisanick is the top returning tackler with 57 takedowns.
Tale of the Tape (2019): Points per game – Wilmington 20.0, Capital 9.3, points per game allowed – Wilmington 40.4, Capital 53.2, yards per game – Wilmington 340.7, Capital 250.4, yards per game allowed – Wilmington 438.3, Capital 502.1, passing yards per game – Wilmington 249.4, Capital 183.1, passing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 241.6, Capital 240.1, rushing yards per game – Wilmington 91.3, Capital 67.3, rushing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 196.7, Capital 262.0.
OAC Fan Policy: The OAC President's Council has updated its spectator policy to allow two individuals per student-athlete to attend home contests.
Bookstore Open: Wilmington's campus book store will be open from 5-7 p.m. on game night for individuals who wish to purchase WC apparel.
Series History: Wilmington is 3-17 against Capital since joining the OAC prior to the 2000 season, but have won two of the last three meetings. More information on the series history can be viewed by visiting the link above.
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 heads to Otterbein University for a 7 p.m. contest on March 19.
