SPORTS

Same old story for Crimson Thunder in loss to OWU

by Eben Askins

Here's a few numbers to kick around: 449, 83 and zero. The first corresponds to the fantastic amount of rushing yards that Ohio Wesleyan University racked up against a hobbled Oberlin College defense last Saturday. The second is the amount of total net yards from scrimmage for the Crimson Thunder, including an NCAC record low of minus 70 yards rushing. Finally, the third refers to the number of times the Battling Bishops threw the ball the entire game. Oh by the way, that third number was also the points scored by the Yeomen in a laugher that culminated in a demoralizing 47-0 OWU victory.

There are days when the stat sheet does not tell the whole story, in which a costly turnover or blown call could have given one side a golden opportunity to get back in the game. Sadly, Nov. 6 was not one of those days. Picture of football player

The lone opportunity for Oberlin to score came with just under two minutes to play. First-year Martin Mitchell lined up for a 41-yard field goal attempt, trying to salvage whatever dignity remained on the Yeomen bench. Much to Oberlin's chagrin, however, the kick was blocked in a fitting end to a truly brutal affair.

All statistics aside, the Crimson Thunder would have had to play an outstanding game to even compete with Ohio Wesleyan. The Battling Bishops have one of the most potent rushing offenses in the country and, until last week's close loss to Wittenberg University, were in a heated competition for the NCAC crown. Their thunderous ground game complements a truly dominant defense that Head Coach Jeff Ramsey called "better than Wooster's." They boast two All-Americans at corner and linebacker, as well as a young defensive end who pressured first-year quarterback Chris Moffatt with reckless abandon.

"We played a decent game against OWU - especially on defense in the second half - but they are a good team," said senior linebacker Rick Kocher..

Senior Jabari Spruill echoed Kocher's comments. "We didn't give up," said Spruill. "We just took it play-by-play, down-by-down, series-by-series."

"We faced a good football team. If we played an outstanding game, we could've been competitive, but we didn't," said Ramsey.

Returning from a one-week absence, first-year wideout Cody McCoy was one of a few stars on the day. The quick receiver caught six passes for 57 yards.

Once again the team suffered crushing injuries. Last week senior Kwesi Skinner was lost for the year with a torn MCL. This time it was Moffatt that suffered a mild concussion, but remained in the game. Moffatt has taken almost all the snaps this year and OWU's outstanding defense pressured the young playcaller all day. Then first-year wideout Josh Shapaka broke his wrist. Shapaka will play this week. Junior Jordan Kaltman was not so lucky. The big offensive lineman sprained his ACL and will not play in the season finale against Alfred University.

This forces Ramsey to shuffle players around in the Alfred game. Junior Ryan Catignani, a natural linebacker by trade, will go both ways and also play left guard. First-year Rob Moffatt will slide over and play right guard.

This Saturday's match is important for several reasons. It is the last game of the season and a chance to break a losing streak that dates back to a squeaking 19-17 victory over Thiel College almost three full seasons ago and possibly finish the season on a positive note. Senior Day also marks the last game for four-year lettermen Jabari Spruill, Rick Kocher and Jason Ross. "[They've] given their heart and soul to the program," said Ramsey. "Every ounce of that rubs off to [the] underclassmen. They deserve to be recognized as three of the foundation blocks," said Ramsey.

"I am sad that this is our last game and also my last game of my career here," said Kocher. "For four years I, along with the rest of the seniors, have given a lot to this program. Hopefully we can get a win this weekend, but the most important thing right now is that we [seniors] are able to look back and say that our hard work built the foundation for this to become a good football program."

"This is a special game for me," said Spruill. "My friends and my mom are coming in. I want to be active; I'm looking forward to the game."

Also leaving are Skinner, Chris Bedford and Dylan Ruga.

Senior Day proves to be a day of celebration for all. Spruill, Kocher and Ross will all be honored before the game.

Alfred relies on a pass-heavy offense that utilizes the mobility of their quarterback. Ramsey hopes to "contain" the passer and rely on the strength of the secondary. "He is not a pocket passer, so if we don't blitz, that may play into our hands," he said.

"Hopefully we all show up ready to play, and if we play like we are able to defensively and the offense puts points on the board, it will be an exciting game," said Kocher.

Junior Geno Walker might play his final game for Oberlin since he plans to go to London next spring. Ramsey said that Walker will get snaps on Saturday, but Moffatt will start. Walker's playing time will depend on how the first-year fares.

Please make sure that you as fans are a part of the tradition tomorrow that is Senior Day. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. on Dill Field.


Photo:
Blast off: The Crimson Thunder are struggling through another tough season. Their woes continued Saturday when Ohio Wesleyan's running game dominated the contest in a 47-0 rout. (Staff photo)

 

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Copyright © 1999, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 128, Number 9, November 12, 1999

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