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The Capital University football team looks to get back on the winning track this Saturday in its Homecoming game against Heidelberg this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Bernlohr Stadium.
As hundreds of the school's alumni and friends descend on campus this weekend, the Crusaders (1-3 overall, 1-2 Ohio Athletic Conference) prepare to regain their mojo following last Saturday's 37-10 defeat against John Carroll.
After a 49-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Travis Bosanac (Strongsville, Ohio) gave Capital a 3-0 lead, the Blue Streaks went on to score 37 unanswered points before the Crusaders scored on a 7-yard pass from junior quarterback Alex Nydza (Cleveland, Ohio) to sophomore wide receiver Benjamin Woycke (Mason, Ohio) with 14:29 to play.
Capital had trouble adjusting to John Carroll's fast-paced passing attack, which completed 42-of-56 for 315 yards in the first half.
Nydza, in his first start of the season, finished 13-of-29 for 166 yards and a touchdown. Junior wide receiver Alex Coleman (Columbus, Ohio) registered 144 all-purpose yards, including 85 receiving. Junior defensive back Brian Mazzaro (Cincinnati, Ohio) paced the defense with 11 tackles.
The Crusaders look to make the necessary adjustments to improve in all facets this Saturday against a Heidelberg team ranked just outside of the D3football.com Top 25 Poll.
"I told the guys we have to get back to all of the little things that have made us successful in the past," Capital coach Henry Stanford said. "It's blocking and tackling, maintaining blocks and getting off blocks, the things we need to do on a constant basis to give us a chance to play better."
The Student Princes (4-0, 3-0), who rank second in the league behind national No. 1 Mount Union in both scoring offense and scoring defense, scored in all three phases (offense, defense, special teams) to knock off Marietta 56-24 last Saturday in Tiffin, Ohio.
Running back Cartel Brooks rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns, his eighth straight contest with at least 100 yards rushing, to lead the 'Berg. Quarterback Michael Mees threw for 232 yards, three touchdowns (to three different receivers) and one interception.
Marietta held the ball for more than 34 minutes, but Heidelberg made up for it with big plays. The Student Princes picked off four passes, returning one for a touchdown, and C.J. Powell returned a punt 67 yards to the end zone in the first quarter.
Defensive lineman Ben Poirier led the defense with eight tackles, including five for a loss and three sacks.
"They're going to bring a lot of speed, athleticism and a defense that pursues the ball and will challenge receivers in man coverage," Stanford said. "They bring an offense that is highly potent with a talented tailback, skillful quarterback and receivers who can run."
Last season at Heidelberg, Capital surrendered 584 yards of total offense en route to a 55-3 setback on Oct. 1, 2011. The loss snapped the Crusaders' 11-game winning streak against the Student Princes that started back in 2000.
The Student Princes returned the opening kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown and went on to score 31 unanswered points in the first half as Capital suffered its first loss against league competition.
Prior to Saturday's affair, the 1987 OAC championship team will be recognized on the field as part of the 25th anniversary celebration. The recognition of the program's only league championship squad is sure to have an impact on Stanford and the rest of the Crusaders.
"It means a lot (to the program)," Stanford said. "It gives us a benchmark for all of us to shoot for and something we want to accomplish within our time. It's our goal every year to bring an OAC championship back to Capital University.
"To see that class come back for its anniversary is a special time not only for those former players and their families, but for us to give them a sense of pride in our performance."
