Football Drops Homecoming Game
The Muskingum University football team lost its homecoming game to Ohio Northern 54-16 on Saturday afternoon at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex.
The Muskingum University football team lost its homecoming game to Ohio Northern 54-16 on Saturday afternoon at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex.
Notables
- The game marked Muskingum's 103rd Homecoming.
- Muskingum recognized the 1979 Ohio Athletic Conference Championship Wrestling team between the first and second quarters.
- At halftime, Muskingum junior Kohen Cox was crowned Homecoming King, and junior Ellie Boggs was crowned Homecoming Queen.
- Muskingum recognized the Muskie Archery team between the third and fourth quarters for its highest-ever finish at nationals, and senior Kylee Brookover for being crowned a National Champion, and junior Carlie Ellsworth for finishing as a National Runner-Up.
The Polar Bears opened the game with a surprise onside kick followed by a touchdown. David Westrick and the Muskie offense responded with an 8-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to tie it up. The Polar Bears scored again and never looked back with four unanswered touchdown drives. A strong performance from running back Louie Blasiole propelled them to a 37-9 lead at the half.
The Muskie defense came out strong in the third quarter, only allowing three points. However, the Ohio Northern defense continued to be dominant as well.
In the fourth quarter, Garrett Gurney scored a touchdown on a read option keeper.
Ohio Northern dominated the time of possession, 36:07 to 23:53, which allowed them to keep the Muskies at bay.
Stat Highlights:
- Garrett Gurney: 18-of-32 passing for 238 yards, 1 TD; 1 rushing TD
- Cade Searls: 7 receptions, 128 yards;
- David Westrick: 6 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD
- Aaron Ortega: 2-for-2 on PATs
- Malik Pegram: 96-yard blocked extra point return for two points
- Conner Gurney: Led defense with 11 tackles (1 TFL, 1 BLKS)
- AJ Sumpter: 8 tackles (4 solo); 2 TFL
- Nathan Thomas: 8 tackles (4 solo)
Team Stats:
- Total Offense: Muskingum 291 | Ohio Northern 497
- First Downs: Muskingum 17 | Ohio Northern 24
- Time of Possession: Muskingum 23:53 | Ohio Northern 36:07
- Rushing Yards: Muskingum 53 | Ohio Northern 238
- Passing Yards: Muskingum 238 | Ohio Northern 259
Up Next
Muskingum (2-3 overall, 2-1 Ohio Athletic Conference) travels to Marietta (3-2 overall, 2-2 Ohio Athletic Conference) on Saturday, October 18. The Shriners Game contest is scheduled for 1:30 PM.