WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College football team, fresh off its bye week, heads to Marietta College for an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) contest on Saturday. Kickoff from Don Drumm Stadium is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
The Teams: Wilmington and Marietta. The Fightin' Quakers enter the contest with a 3-2 overall record and a 2-2 mark in OAC games after being shutout by John Carroll University (JCU) at home on Oct. 1. The Pioneers, who are also coming off a loss (45-10) to JCU, enter the matchup 2-3 and 1-3 in conference contests.
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. The former OAC Assistnat Coach of the Year, 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. Andy Waddle, a 2003 graduate of Wittenberg University, is in his 10th season as Marietta's head coach. The Pioneers have enjoyed four consecutive winning seasons under Waddle's guidance.
The Offenses: Quarterback Adam Dixon leads the Wilmington offense by averaging 282.6 yards per game through the air to go along with 14 touchdown passes and five interceptions. Four Quakers - Ace Taylor, Itika Wynn Jr., Gavin Foushee and Lathan Jones - have hauled in double-digit passes with Taylor leading the way in receptions (25), Wynn Jr. in touchdowns (5) and Jones in yardage (498). On the ground, both Ben Hobbs and Nehemiah Jenkins have over 50 carries and 200 yards. Marietta relies on running back Bryce Agnew, who averaged 25 carries and 105.6 yards per game. Quarterback Connor Vierstra averageds 176.2 yards passing and has eight touchdowns compared to two interceptions on the season. Both Dre Baldwin and Derek Witsberger have hauled in three touchdonwn receptions.
The Defenses: Jarod Lee and Zac Schmidt, once named to the D3football.com Team of the Week, combine for over 20 tackles a game to lead the Quaker defensive unit. Both have a single interception as well with Schmidt leading the squad in tackles for loss (6). Joey Weikel and Jake Sheriff both have two sacks while cornerbacks Quentin Davis and Jalaun Covington combine for 10 pass breakups. Drake Neuberger leads the Pioneer defense in total tackles (39), solo tackles (19), assisted tackles (20), tackles for loss (10) and sacks (6). Jaelon Quiero-Gordon has intercepted two passes.
Tale of the Tape: Points per game – Wilmington 26.0, Marietta 17.4, points per game allowed – Wilmington 31.2, Marietta 31.2, yards per game – Wilmington 358.6, Marietta 288.4, yards per game allowed – Wilmington 394.0, Marietta 402.4, passing yards per game – Wilmington 286.0, Marietta 176.2, passing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 211.0, Marietta 265.6, rushing yards per game – Wilmington 72.6, Marietta 112.2, rushing yards per game allowed – Wilmington 183.0, Marietta 136.8.
Series History: Wilmington is 5-17 against Marietta since joining the OAC prior to the 2000 season. The Pioneers have won the last nine meetings. 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 head to Alliance, Ohio, to face The University of Mount Union next Saturday. Kickoff from Kehres Stadium is slated for 1:30 p.m.
