Tigers Capture 4th Straight NCAC Title

Photo Credit | Trent Sprague '22
Photo Credit | Trent Sprague '22
November 16, 2019
Box Score Preview

Springfield, OH – The Wittenberg University football team had plenty to celebrate on Saturday afternoon after defeating the Battling Bishops from Ohio Wesleyan University, 38-20 from Edwards-Maurer Field. The Tiger's captured a share of their fourth consecutive North Coast Athletic Conference title and the 15th NCAC title under Head Coach Joe Fincham. The final home game of the 2019 season began with a Senior Day recognition for over 20 members of the Wittenberg football program that has put in many years of hard work and dedication to the Tiger football program. Wittenberg racked up over 450 yards of offense on the day, taking 57 offensive snaps and averaging 7.9 yards per play. The Wittenberg defense was battled a dynamic Ohio Wesleyan offense, as the Tiger's allowed 406 yards of offense. The Tiger defense managed to get after the Ohio Wesleyan quarterback, logging five sacks and tallying one interception at the Wittenberg goal line.

Game Breakdown

The Tigers jumped out to an early 31-7 lead by the end of the first half. After Ohio Wesleyan found their way on the scoreboard first, LaShon Bright returned the ensuing kickoff 93-yards for the first Wittenberg touchdown of the day.  Christian Seger converted on a 20-yard field goal attempt to extend the Wittenberg lead out to 10-7 before the end of the first quarter. Bobby Froehlich connected with Thad Snodgrass for a 91-yard touchdown pitch-and-catch over the top of the Ohio Wesleyan defense, giving the Red and White the 17-7 advantage. Jaheem Washington found his way into the Ohio Wesleyan endzone, taking in the one-yard score. The final senior touchdown came on the wildcat, running back to running back option, as Troy Clay completed the three-yard touchdown pass to DeShawn Sarley. Wittenberg got past the Ohio Wesleyan defense for one final score just before the third quarter ended, as Froehlich found Jake Saus on a 27-yard touchdown reception.

Jonathan Seay led the Tiger defense with nine tackles (five solo), including a sack for a seven-yard loss. Troy Jones and Logan Jewsikow each added eight tackles apiece (four solo) for the Red and White on the afternoon. Jones came up with the lone interception for the Tigers on the day, adding a tackle for a loss and a pass break-up. Nasir Carter tallied five solo tackles, including two sacks for the Tiger defense, while forcing a fumble in the red zone.