The football team started the season off a little rocky last Saturday, Sept. 5, with a defeat by nationally-ranked Wittenberg University. Despite a substantial comeback in the third quarter, the Crusaders were unable to clinch victory, finishing the game at 27-38.
Wittenberg, ranked 17th in Division III, came out strong at the start of the game, both defensively and offensively. The Tigers shut down the first Crusader attack at the 47 yard line, and responded with a barrage of passes from Tigers senior quarterback Zach Jenkins to reach the Crusaders’ 20 yard line. The Tigers rushed the remaining yards, culminating with a touchdown and successful kick attempt to lead the game 7-0.
The Crusader defense managed to hold off the Tigers into the second quarter, forcing a turnover that ended a scoring drive. The Crusaders could only hold out so long, however. Tigers quarterback Jenkins threw two critical passes to senior wide receiver Zach Culvahouse, for a total of 77 yards reaching the Crusaders’ one yard line. Despite a five yard penalty for illegal formation, the Tigers quickly scored a second touchdown increasing their lead to 14 points.
The Crusaders continued to compete, despite the increasing deficit. Shortly after a recovered fumble, sophomore quarterback Zak Sheridan successfully rushed eight yards, before completing a 41 yard pass to senior Crusaders wide receiver Zak Wirick. Sophomore Cory Heeter then rushed ten yards into the Tiger end zone to put the Crusaders on the board. However, the Tigers were able to block the extra point, and the Crusaders ended the first half down 14-6.
The start of the second half proved disastrous for the Crusaders. Powerhouse Tigers offense, comprised of wide receivers Culvahouse, and Luke Landis, quarterback Jenkins, and right guard Jimmy Dehnke, racked up three touchdowns in the third quarter to bring their lead to 35-6.
The Crusaders came out strong in the fourth quarter against seemingly insurmountable odds. After scoring a touchdown in the first two minutes of the quarter, the Crusaders attempted a two-point conversion, and sophomore quarterback Nick Iske made a successful pass to senior wide receiver Jake Skelton.
Later in the game, Sheridan took control of the offense at quarterback and rushed 57 yards from the Crusader 40 to the Tigers’ third yard line, facilitating a touchdown by junior Brent Walton. The Crusaders tried for another two-point conversion, but the pass was intercepted by the Tigers.
Crusaders’ defense fought hard in the fourth quarter, stopping two Tigers drives and allowing only one field goal. A final Crusader drive, aided by a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the Tigers, led to another Crusader touchdown, this time with a successful kick. The game ended with a final score of 38-27, with the Crusaders earning 21 of their 27 points in the fourth quarter.
The Crusaders could not overcome the Tigers’ stout defense and explosive offense, but the team did manage to prove they can be competitive with nationally ranked programs. Sophomores Nick Iske and Sheridan both showed what they could do at the helm of the Crusaders’ offense. Junior Crusader Brent Walton also demonstrated his skill with three touchdowns and 130 total rushing yards.
Wittenberg left Bernlohr Stadium with a victory, but severely underperformed. As a nationally ranked program, the Tigers did not meet expectations. Many predicted Wittenberg Tigers to handle the Crusaders with ease, but the team’s lack of consistency on defense leaves us to question how the rest of the season will play out.
The Crusaders have a bye next weekend and then go on to face Wilmington College, who narrowly defeated Bluffton University Saturday, 14-10. That gives the Crusaders roughly 13 days to work out any remaining kinks before 7 p.m., Sept. 19, where the Crusaders will be taking on the Fighting Quakers at Wilmington.
