It was a chance for redemption for the Scots.† After what had been a difficult season, the Fighting Scots football team headed into Saturday’s game against Wittenberg University with an† opportunity to not only hand their arch-rival its first loss of the season, but also a chance to enter into a three-way tie with Wittenberg and Wabash University for the North Coast Athletic Conference title.† It was also a chance to make sure that this was the last game for both teams.
Even with a victory, Wooster was not going to be able to make the playoffs. However, if Wooster defeated Wittenberg, Wabash would be the team that would go on to the tournament, leaving Witt out in the cold after a near-undefeated season.† After the 55-7 beating that Wooster suffered at the hands of Wittenberg last year, the chance to make Witt start its offseason early added some fire to an already explosive rivalry.
In what was a close battle until the very end, the Scots fought with everything they had but ended up falling just short, losing 22-17.† Wooster struck first early in the first quarter, after the Scots’ defense forced the dynamic Wittenberg offense to punt on their first two possessions. Then, starting from their own 42 yard line, the Scots drove the ball 58 yards, capped off by a four-yard run by Robert Flagg ’12 to put the Scots up by seven.† In the second quarter, Wittenberg would put up two field goals on their next two possessions, but the Scots responded with one of their own to make the score 10-6 at halftime.
The Wooster defense played well in the first half, but in the second Wittenberg began to show why it was the ninth ranked team in the country.†† Wittenberg dominated the third quarter and spent nine minutes driving down the field.† The drive ended in a field goal, but Witt was able to take up the rest of the third quarter to do it.
The fourth quarter began with a Wooster turnover, as quarterback Richard Barnes ’14 threw his first interception of the day.† Six plays later, Wittenberg quarterback Ben Zoeller connected with wide receiver Josh Mckee on a 43-yard touchdown reception to put Wittenberg up 16-10.† But the Scots weren’t finished yet.
On the next drive, the Scots’ offense drove 50 yards in 11, capped by a third and 15 pass from Barnes to Cameron Daniels ’12.† It was an emotional catch for Daniels, as he had missed the last few games due to knee problems and will have surgery during the offseason.† The play put the Scots up 17-16 with seven minutes left.
The Scot defense showed its resilience by forcing a Wittenberg punt with six minutes left in the game.† The Scots converted a few plays until disaster struck.† On a third and 11 Barnes’ pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and fell into the hands of a Wittenberg receiver.† Four plays later, Zoeller ran it in himself from the four yard line to put the Tigers up 22-17.† Seemingly shocked at the quick turn of events, the Wooster offense seemed discombobulated on their last drive.† A trick play failed on first down, then an incomplete pass, Barnes was hurried on third down and on the Scot’s last offensive play of the game, Barnes was sacked to finish it.
Although it was a bitter loss for the Fighting Scots, it was an impressive game. On the offensive side, Barnes was 27-47 for 193 yards and one touchdown, but also threw three interceptions on the day. Flagg had 61 yards on 16 carries and 47 yards receiving.† Mike Redick ’11 had four catches for 38 yards and also set the single season record for receptions with 69.
Wooster’s defense played very well, holding one of the better quarterbacks in D3 to under a 50 percent completion rate.† Jeremy Petit ’11 had a big day, picking Zoeller off twice.† Girard† Ogletree-Crawford ’13 had 11 tackles and Dan Terhune ’12 recorded the only sack for the Fighting Scots.
This was the last game of an up and down season for the Scots, but one that they can definitely grow upon.† Many people predicted that the Scots would not be competitive this year, but they showed a lot of heart and were in almost every game they played.
The Scots should look to reload in the offseason, and if they continue to improve like they did this year this team could be competing for the NCAC season title outright.