*Story by Simon Heys
WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College football team faces yet another Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) foe this Saturday as the Fightin' Quakers face off against John Carroll University at home. Kickoff from Williams Stadium is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
The Teams: Wilmington and John Carroll. The Fightin' Quakers are 3-1 overall and 2-1 in OAC games after a 34-31 victory over Capital University to spoil the Comet's Homecoming Weekend last Saturday. The Blue Streaks look to go 3-1 this week after their defense dominated against former No.18 Heidelberg University in a 24-7 win over the Student Princes.
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. Drew Nystrom is JCU's current interim head coach after being promoted from offensive coordinator in March of 2022.
The Offenses: Quarterback Adam Dixon, once named Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Offensive Player of the Week, is currently averaging over 330 yards through the air through his first four 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 five touchdowns while Lathan Jones averages over 40 yards per reception. In the rushing category, Ben Hobbs is averaging exactly 50 yards a game for a nice 200 yards on the season, while Nehemiah Jenkins has rushed for a season-high 79 yards back to back weekends. Quarterback Joe Collins leads John Carroll's offense after the senior set a season high, 74 percent-completion percentage against Heidelberg University. Evan McVay averages 93 yards per game on the ground.
The Defenses: Jarod Lee and Joey Weikel led the Wilmington defense last weekend against Capital. Weikel had a day against the comets, as he had 10 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup while Lee had nine tackles and an interception. Additionally, siix different Quakers have at least one sack on the season. As for JCU, it has only given up 14 points total to OAC opponents in the previous two games. Tyler Thimons leads a fierce JCU defense with 23 tackles while Bricker Thiel as 3.5 tackles for loss and Ben Grafton has two sacks.
Tale of the Tape: Points per game – Wilmington 32.0, John Carroll 23.6, points per game allowed – Wilmington 24.3, John Carroll 16.3, yards per game – Wilmington 423.8, John Carroll 354.0, yards per game allowed – Wilmington 332.3, John Carroll 291.0, passing yards per game – Wilmington 338.5, John Carroll 208.0, passing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 197.3, John Carroll 217.0, rushing yards per game – Wilmington 85.3, John Carroll 146.0, rushing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 135.0, John Carroll 73.3.
D3football.com Top 25 Poll: John Carroll isn't currently ranked by D3football.com's poll, but they are now receiving votes after its dominating performance against Heidelberg University.
Series History: Wilmington is 3-18 against John Carroll since joining the OAC prior to the 2000 season. The Quakers look to end the Blue Streaks' current 11-game winning streak as last year John Carroll took a 50-7 victory in University Heights. 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 will take the next weekend off before traveling to Marietta College for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 15.
