WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College football team continues Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play against the University of Mount Union on Saturday. Kickoff from Townsend Field is slated for 3 p.m.
The Teams: Wilmington and Mount Union. The Fightin' Quakers enter the matchup after a bye week, and most recently fell to Muskingum University at Zanesville High School in late September. The Purple Raiders are 4-0 and coming off of a 55-0 Homecoming Weekend victory over Otterbein University last weekend.
The Coaches: Bryan Moore, a 1999 graduate of Hiram College, begins his fifth season leading Wilmington's football program. Moore began instilling his vision on the program having brought in three large freshman classes, and that has paid off on the field with multiple victories each of the last two seasons. Previously, Moore spent time at both Bluffton University and Heidelberg. Geoff Dartt is in his second season as Mount Union's head football coach. The son-in-law of former head coach Larry Kehres, Dartt is a 2008 graduate of the College.
The Offenses: Derek Larimer has thrown for 775 yards in his first three collegiate starts to go along with five touchdowns and three interceptions. His two favorite targets thus far have been Ace Taylor and Itika Wynn Jr., both of whom have hauled in 10 passes. Ben Hobbs and Dallas Rawlings both have over 100 yards rushing for the Quakers. Braxton Plunk is completing over 70 percent of his passes while averaging over 340 yards per game through the air. The junior has thrown a dozen touchdown passes with three Purple Raiders - Wayne Ruby, Jaden Manley and Ulice Gillard III - all hauling in multiple touchdown receptions. Mount Union featured a two-headed rushing attack as both DeAndre Parker and Josh Petruccelli have over 225 yards and the ground and scored at least four times.
The Defenses: Tre'Quez Parks and Jarod Lee have both recorded 19 tackles for Wilmington's defense while Jalaun Covington as a team-best four pass breakups. Safety Elijah Carson intercepted two passes the last time the Quakers played at Williams Stadium - against Ohio Northern University on Sept. 18. Mason McMillen and Jesse Vail both have at least 20 tackles for the Mount Union defense. A trio of Purple Raiders - Nick Brown, Matt Lilja and Rossy Moore - have at least two sacks.
Tale of the Tape: Points per game – Wilmington 25.0, Mount Union 50.5, points per game allowed – Wilmington 55.0, Mount Union 7.0, yards per game – Wilmington 394.3, Mount Union 542.3, yards per game allowed – Wilmington 543.0, Mount Union 213.5, passing yards per game – Wilmington 271.0, Mount Union 364.3, passing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 392.3, Mount Union 146.3, rushing yards per game – Wilmington 123.3, Mount Union 178.0, rushing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 108.5, Mount Union 67.3.
Top 25 Poll: Mount Union checks in at No. 4 in the most recent D3football.com Top 25 Poll.
Series History: Wilmington is winless in 20 meetings against Mount Union since joining the OAC prior to the 2000 season. 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: The Quakers host Marietta College at Williams Stadium next Saturday.
