Muskies Make History in Thrilling 56-49 Victory Over Wilmington
Muskingum made history on Saturday afternoon at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, defeating Wilmington 56-49 in a lightning-delayed thriller that gave Head Coach Matt Nardo his first career win with the Muskies. The victory was highlighted by record-setting performances from senior quarterback Garrett Gurney, junior wide receiver Cade Searls, and freshman kicker Aaron Ortega.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
14 | 13 | 7 | 15 | 49 |
|
|
21 | 14 | 7 | 14 | 56 |
Team Stats
Wilmington (Ohio)
| Game Statistics | Wilmington (Ohio) | Muskingum |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 403 | 569 |
| Rushing Yards | 176 | 111 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Poss. | 32:20 | 27:40 |
Muskingum made history on Saturday afternoon at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, defeating Wilmington 56-49 in a lightning-delayed thriller that gave Head Coach Matt Nardo his first career win with the Muskies. The victory was highlighted by record-setting performances from senior quarterback Garrett Gurney, junior wide receiver Cade Searls, and sophomore kicker Aaron Ortega.
Gurney turned in one of the finest performances in school history, completing 32-of-39 passes for a school record 569 yards and a school-record-tying seven touchdowns. He also set the Muskingum record for total offense in a game with 581 yards (569 passing, 12 rushing).
Searls was equally dominant, finishing with six receptions for a career-high 214 yards and a school-record four touchdowns, including two decisive scores in the closing minutes to secure the win. He also tied the school record for longest touchdown reception with his 83-yard score in the first quarter.
Ortega tied the school record for extra points attempts made in a game with eight.
The Muskies closed the day with 680 yards of total offense, finishing just shy of the school record of 693 yards set in 1957.
The passing attack featured contributions from several playmakers. Sophomore John Christopher Gore caught 11 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown, while senior David Westrick matched him with 10 receptions for 111 yards. Sophomore Jeremy Smith opened the scoring with a 66-yard touchdown grab, and Grant Wright added a 22-yard touchdown reception. On the ground, sophomore running back Riley Woodie provided balance with 86 rushing yards and a touchdown.
On defense, sophomore lineman Nathan Thomas led the charge with seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Junior defensive back Jacques Marcellus added a key interception return, while seniors Martavious Johnson and Antwan Murphy each recorded eight tackles.
In a game defined by offensive fireworks, Muskingum delivered when it mattered most. After Wilmington tied the score late in the fourth quarter, Gurney and Searls connected twice more for touchdowns to secure the Ohio Athletic Conference-opening victory.
The Muskies closed the day with 671 yards of total offense, finishing just shy of the school record of 693 yards set in 1957.
Muskingum Game Highlights
- Gurney: 32-of-39 passing, 569 yards, 7 TDs. 581 yards of total offense (569 passing, 12 rushing)
- Searls: 6 receptions, 213 yards, 4 TDs (including two late-game scores).
- Ortega: 8-of-8 in extra point attempts.
- Gore: 11 receptions, 140 yards, 1 TD.
- Westrick: 10 receptions, 111 yards.
- Smith: 66-yard touchdown reception.
- Wright: 22-yard touchdown reception.
- Woodie: 86 rushing yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions out of the backfield.
- Thomas: 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble.
- Johnson and Murphy: 8 tackles each.
- Marcellus: Interception with a 14-yard return.
The Basics
- Records: Muskingum (1-1, 1-0 OAC), Wilmington (1-2, 0-2 OAC)
- Location: Bullock Health and Wellness Complex
- Attendance: 1,387
Up Next
- Muskingum travels to Otterbein on Saturday, September 27. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
