The passion and fervor present at last Friday’s Athletic Department pep rally and bonfire failed to spark a victory for the Yeomen football team. Playing on home turf, Oberlin was unable to overcome the Denison Big Red, losing the conference game 35-14.

Oberlin’s defense came out early and strong in the first quarter as first-year Cody Hartley snagged an interception at the Oberlin 45-yard line and charged 24 yards up field before being taken down. Seeking to score off the possession, Oberlin opted for a field goal attempt but sophomore Mike Tomlinson’s kick sailed just right of the goal-post.

Play rebounded between the two teams but Oberlin was never able to advance deep into Denison territory again. “We were stuck with a short field,” first-year Mason Turville explained. “We try to make the best of the situation we’re put in at any time.” Even as the Big Red camped out near the Oberlin endzone, Yeomen defense remained consistent throughout the quarter.

With the game scoreless at the start of the second quarter, the senior members of the offense took control. Travis Oman executed multiple rushes for a total of 41 yards to place Oberlin a yard out of Denison’s endzone. Quarterback Ryan Squatrito connected with Chris Jordan for the touchdown, giving Oberlin a 6-0 lead.

After the subsequent kickoff was fumbled by Denison at the 32, Oberlin was in search of a second touchdown. After advancing to the 22, Squatrito threw into the endzone, but the pass was intercepted by Big Red’s Eric Meibers at the 1-yard line. Denison took advantage of the change of possession and charged up field without stopping. Oberlin was unable to spoil Big Red’s passes and quarterback Larry Cappetto threw 31 yards to Frank Roe for the touchdown. After a failed pass attempt, the score was tied at 6-6.

At the end of the half, Oberlin was poised to dominate the game but from the start of the second half it was clear that the third quarter belonged to Denison. The Big Red went on a 16-0 run, beginning with a team safety two minutes into play. Denison seized the 8-6 lead and never looked back. Plagued by penalties, fumbles, and incomplete passes, the Yeomen were unable to gain the necessary momentum to spark a counter attack. Denison scored twice more, bringing its lead to 22-6.

At the start of the fourth quarter Denison’s quarterback led a Big Red’s attack. Cappetto rushed for a total of 30 yards before passing to Phil Bouwhuis for the touchdown. Oberlin’s Squatrito responded later by passing for a total of 31 yards and rushing four yards into Big Red’s endzone for the score. Oman’s follow up rush was successful and the Yeomen brought the score up to 28-14. With 1:48 left on the clock, Denison was able to sneak one more touchdown through Oberlin defense for a final score of 35-14.

“We should have scored more than 14, our passing game was hurt by the wind” junior Andrew Crosby said.

Turville seconded this sentiment, “The weather was a big factor, causing small errors to become big mistakes.” Despite offensive mishaps, Squatrito threw for 101 yards and Oman rushed 114 yards. The defensive effort was lead by senior Vinnie Hachigian and first-year Clayton Thurmer who had 14 and 11 total tackles, respectively.