WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College football team faces its first Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) road test on Saturday as the Fightin' Quakers head to Bexley to face Capital University. Kickoff from Bernlohr Stadium is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
The Teams: Wilmington and Capital. The Fightin' Quakers are 2-1 overall and an even 1-1 in OAC games after a 32-26 come-from-behind victory over Otterbein University on Homecoming Weekend last Saturday. The Comets, who have their Homecoming Weekend this weekend are in search of their first victory of the season after a 37-7 defeat at Muskingum University over the weekend.
The Coaches: Corey Fillipovich, who has served as Wilmington's defensive coordinator for the previous four seasons, enters his first full season as acting head coach in 2022. He stepped in to lead the program through the final four games of the 2021 fall campaign which included consecutive victories over Capital University and Otterbein University to end the season. Brian Foos is in his third season as Capital's head coach having led the Comets through two unusual seasons due to the COVDI-19 pandemic in his first two seasons.
The Offenses: Quarterback Adam Dixon, once named Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Offensive Player of the Week, averages over 300 yards through the air through his first three collegiate games. Both Ace Taylor and Itika Wynn Jr. have been Dixon's two favorite targets to date as both have hauled in double-digit receptions. Wynn Jr. has a team-best four touchdowns while Lathan Jones averages nearly 45 yards per reception. In the rushing category, Ben Hobbs has carried 46 times for 182 yards while Nehemiah Jenkins rushed for a season-high 79 yards in the win over the Cardinals. Quarterback Ben Everson leads the Capital offense in both passing yards and rushing yards as the junior averages 151 yards through the air and 37 on the ground.
The Defenses: Jarod Lee and Zac Schmidt lead the Wilmington defense as both average over double-digit tackles per game. Schmidt, who tallied five tackles for loss in the game against Otterbein, leads the team in that category and is joined by Elijah Carson as the two Quakers to have an interception. Six different Quakers have one sack. Nick Fisanick has 43 tackles for the Comet defense while Jack Blaisdell and James Curtis combine for nearly 10 tackles for loss.
Tale of the Tape: Points per game – Wilmington 32.0, Otterbein 14.0, points per game allowed – Wilmington 20.0, Otterbein 23.5, yards per game – Wilmington 362.5, Otterbein 291.5, yards per game allowed – Wilmington 259.0, Otterbein 359.0, passing yards per game – Wilmington 284.5, Otterbein 175.5, passing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 123.0, Otterbein 277.5, rushing yards per game – Wilmington 78.0, Otterbein 116.0, rushing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 136.0, Otterbein 81.5.
Dfootball.com Team of the Week: Junior Zac Schmidt earned a spot on this week's D3football.com Team of the Week.
OAC Player of the Week: Junior Lathan Jones was honored with OAC Offensive Player of the Week honors. The Sidney High School alumnus hauled in four receptions for 204 yards and a touchdown in WC's 32-26 victory over Otterbein on Homecoming Weekend.
Series History: Wilmington is 5-17 against Capital since joining the OAC prior to the 2000 season. The Quakers have won each of the last three meetings, but all by one possession or less. More information on the series history can be viewed by visiting the link above.
Tickets: Digital ticketing will be used for the contest. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of game time at 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 hosts John Carroll University for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 1.
