Andrew Bell
Staff Writer
Last Saturday, Oct. 18, The College of Wooster football team delivered a thrilling defensive takeaway in the closing seconds to secure a 24–20 victory over Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) in Delaware, Ohio. With the outcome hanging in the balance, defensive lineman Isaac LaFay ’27 made the play of the day. As the Battling Bishops pushed toward the goal line, LaFay met the OWU running back with a jarring hit that sent the ball flying loose near the 2-yard line. In a flash, linebacker Brandon Torres ’26 dove onto the fumble. The Fighting Scots’ defense halted the Bishops’ drive and sealed the win. What could have been a heartbreaking finish instead became one of Wooster’s most dramatic defensive stops of the season.
The energy in OWU’s Selby Stadium was fueled not just by the action on the field but also by the presence of the Scot Marching Band, the Wooster Pipe Band and the college cheerleaders, all of whom made the trip to Delaware. The spirited half-time performance, drum cadences and cheers echoing across the bleachers created a home-game atmosphere while on the road and visibly energized the Scots throughout the contest.
Quarterback Michael Boyle ’27 powered Wooster’s offense, completing 24 of 34 passes for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. Boyle’s precision passing helped the Scots build a first-half lead before Ohio Wesleyan began to claw back in the second half.
Wooster opened the game with a statement drive – 14 plays and 75 yards capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Boyle to Michael O’Brien ’25. Nolan Hendricks ’26 added a 30-yard field goal to close out the next Black and Gold offensive. Brody Snyder ’29 made a momentum-shifting play when he broke through Ohio Wesleyan’s protection and blocked a punt. Wooster was set up with a prime field position at the Bishops’ 17-yard line. Two plays later, Boyle connected to wideout Tate Journell ’26 with a perfectly placed touchdown pass that extended the Scots’ lead. With a few seconds remaining in the second quarter, the Boyle-Journell connection tied another scoring knot for a 24-7 lead at the halftime break.
Journell was the Scots’ top receiver for the match. He hauled in 7 receptions for 81 yards despite a late-game injury. Running back Manny Zelaya ’28 anchored the ground game with 87 yards on 26 carries. Wooster controlled the ball for more than 37 minutes of possession. Defensively, Brock Sivon ’26 led with 11 tackles, while Louie Lindsay ’26 contributed 9 stops and 2 pass breakups.
The second half opened with a momentum-building OWU offensive drive. However, their push was stifled when defensive back Grady Harban ’26 snagged an interception from Chanden Lee ’26, a former Scot and now OWU backup quarterback. Though the Bishops stormed back with 2 third quarter touchdowns and a fourth quarter interception return to narrow the margin, Wooster’s defense delivered when it mattered most. The final defensive stand not only secured the victory but also showcased the team’s growing resilience and chemistry on both sides of the ball.
Head Coach Austin Holter ’10 praised the team’s effort, noting that the win reflected their ability to stay composed under pressure and execute when it counted most. “I think [our great defensive play] starts with Coach Tomlin and his staff,” asserted Holter. “I think they are consistent in the way they approach every day. They’re very resilient.” LaFay continued to echo his coach’s statement. “[This staff] has changed the culture, instilled a sense of discipline and pride into the defense.”
The Fighting Scots look to carry this momentum into their next matchup on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1:00 p.m., when they travel to face John Carroll University.
