Fourth-Quarter Drive and Defensive Stand Lift Muskingum Over Capital

Muskingum football delivered a dramatic fourth-quarter surge and a relentless defensive stand to earn a 7-3 victory over Capital on Saturday afternoon inside Bernlohr Stadium. The win pushes Muskingum to 4–5 overall and 4–3 in OAC play.

Trailing 3-0 early in the final quarter, the Muskies were pinned at their own one-yard line after a Capital punt. Muskingum responded with a 14-play, 99-yard scoring drive that culminated with sophomore running back Riley Woodie finishing the drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge at the 10:58 mark. Sophomore kicker Aaron Ortega drilled the PAT to put the Muskies ahead, 7–3.

Capital advanced to the Muskingum two-yard line with two minutes remaining, setting up a high-stakes fourth-and-goal. Led by the powerful play of the defensive front, Muskingum stuffed the attempt to protect the lead to seal the road victory.

Game-Winning Drive
• 14 plays • 99 yards • 4:51 time of possession
Woodie accounted for key gains on the ground, and senior quarterback Garrett Gurney converted multiple critical third-and fourth-down plays to keep the drive alive.

Notable

• Senior quarterback Garrett Gurney now ranks tied for fourth for passing yards in a season with 2,109. Gurney also ranks sixth for career passing yards with 3,580. His 31 career touchdown passes rank second all-time at Muskingum, and his 19 touchdown passes this season are just short of the record of 21 held by Jordan Garrett (2022). Garrett's 2,343 yards of total offense this season rank fourth in a season, and his 4,048 yards of total offense rank seventh for a career.

Muskie Leaders & Team Highlights
Offense

• Riley Woodie - 28 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD, Long 18
• Garrett Gurney - 14 completions for 83 yards; added key rushing conversions
• Senior receiver David Westrick - 7 receptions, 60 yards, Long 23

Defense

• Sophomore defensive back Malachi Stromile - 12 tackles (6 solo), 1.0 sack, 1 pass breakup
• Senior linebacker Conner Gurney - 12 tackles, 1.0 sack, forced fumble
• Junior defensive back Jacques Marcellus - 1 interception
• Muskie defense: 7.0 tackles for loss and 2 sacks

Team Performance

• First downs: 15
• Total offense: 206 yards
• Rushing yards: 123
• Red zone defense: Capital held to just one score in 3 trips
• Fourth-down defense: 4 stops (Capital 2-6)

Up Next

Muskingum concludes its season with a trip to second-ranked Mount Union on Saturday, November 15. The game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.