On a sunny late summer day the Otterbein Cardinals lost big in their home opener against the St. John Fisher Cardinals, 28-0.
For the first six possessions of the game, both Otterbein and St. John Fisher traded three-and-outs and fumbles.
However St. John Fisher capitalized on the seventh possession, with quarterback Tyler Fenti finding wide receiver Nathan Negolian in the end zone for the first points of the game.
This would be a recurring theme for Otterbein’s defense as they would allow three more touchdowns over the next three quarters of play.
“We weren’t flying around enough,” said senior defensive end and co-captain Zack Grieves on the defensive woes. “It was more just us not working together as a unit.”
To go along with the defensive struggles, the offense couldn’t quite put it together.
Although the offense had 131 passing yards, they only had 14 total rushing yards, lost a fumble, and went 0-for-2 on their fourth down conversions.
Penalties also played a huge part in today’s game with both sides receiving 9 penalties.
Otterbein starting quarterback Ben Sizemore completed 12 of 22 passes, with 130 passing yards. Fenti went 19-for-24 with 223 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
With Otterbein having a bye week next week and not playing until September 21st against Wilmington on homecoming day the team Grieves says the team will have a lot to work on as they begin OAC play.
“We have high aspirations,” said Grieves. “It was not one thing. It was a whole team effort today, and everything needs to get better.”
