by Walter Watson
If you happened to pass by Bernlohr Stadium during Capital University’s annual homecoming game, you may have thought you were passing a big event at Ohio State University. The Capital fan section was filled with purple face-painted undergrads and parents of players screaming at the referees every time a call was not made in Capital’s favor. A few Capital students in attendance voiced their personal reasons for attending the contest.
“School spirit, have a good time, and cheer on my buddy Zach (homecoming king),” said senior student, Charlie Kimerline.
“Its the one game of the year we all come together as CapFam. It’s special,” said 3rd year, Crystal Satterfield.
There were alumni players in attendance as well ranging from 1988 All-Americans to as recent as students who played on last year’s team. 2012 alumni Ryan Neuberger gave his thoughts on the new look Crusaders.
“Everyone embraces their role on this team, no matter how small,” said Neuberger. “He puts the best players on the field.”
Capital’s opponents were the conference rival, Ohio Northern Polar Bears. The game started off with a flurry of points by both teams ending in the first half with Ohio Northern, leading the Crusaders 28-14. The Crusaders drew first blood in the second half and fought back until the lead was within one score’s reach halfway through the fourth quarter. They had just made a crucial stop and were about to get the ball back in their hands with a chance to win the game when a controversial penalty flag was thrown that gave ONU the ball back, which led to the go ahead touchdown that all but won the game for the Polar Bears. Capital football wide receivers coach, Calvin Gibson, shared his thoughts on the call.
“It was a killer,” Gibson said. “We had the momentum and were poised to take the lead. It was the right call, but he threw the flag so late. He should have thrown it right when it happened.”
Gibson also voiced his opinion on the decision to go with the freshman quarterback Chase Longwell, who has gotten the nod to be the starting quarterback over the past two games.
“He ran it in high school, he knows his checks, he’s our best option right now. I agree with the decision”
When the dust settled and time expired, the Ohio Northern Polar Bears were deemed the victors with a final score of 38-24. The Crusaders take on John Carroll next weekend October 7th at 7 p.m.
wwatson@capital.edu
