The Muskingum football team had a 28-14 lead in the fourth quarter evaporate as Capital scored the final 19 points of the contest to stun the Muskies on Senior Day, 33-28.
The Fighting Muskies took a 28-14 lead on a 63-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Brody Hahn to sophomore receiver Jailen Willis, with 11:22 left in the game. On the ensuing Capital drive, after a 43-yard kickoff return from Tanner Wollenberg, the Crusaders were able to lead a drive lasting 3:55, which resulted in a one-yard Dar Stanford touchdown catch from Thomas Wibbeler. This made the score 28-21 in favor of the Muskies.
The Muskies had a three and out on their next drive, and sophomore Jarrett Patton's punt was blocked by Michael Lauofo. After starting at the Muskies 41-yard line, Wibbeler and the offense took advantage of the short field and scored a touchdown on a one-yard Cory Heeter run. The Muskies defensive line then came up with the play of the game up to that point, as they blocked the Blake Middleton PAT attempt to preserve a 28-27 lead.
The next drive for the Muskies resulted in the play of the game for the Crusaders. On a third and four, Hahn ran the ball and defensive lineman Trey Zimmer was able to knock the football loose and pick it up himself. Zimmer had nine tackles on the day. The Muskingum defense held strong and forced a fourth and 10. Middleton came out to attempt a 37-yard field goal, which was blocked by the Muskies, but a critical personal foul on the Muskies forced an automatic first down for the Crusaders. On a second down and goal, Wibbeler was able to find Stanford in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown to give Capital a 33-28 lead. After going for two and failing, Capital gave the ball back to Muskingum with 1:12 to play and holding a 33-28 lead. Stanford, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Crusader Player of the Game, ended the outing with 11 grabs for 119 yards and three scores.
The Muskies started their drive at their own 25-yard line. Hahn and the offense gave themselves a chance, getting down to the Capital 10-yard line with three seconds on the clock. However, an incomplete pass in the back of the end zone intended for sophomore wideout Terry Geiger on the final play ended the game.
Senior running back Warren Wilson, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Player of the Game for Muskingum, had a big Senior Day leading the team in rushing with 114 yards on 14 carries and a 47-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Wilson also caught five passes for 53 yards and a score.
Hahn ended the day with 108 rushing yards on 21 attempts while passing for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Senior linebacker Brandon Schon led the team in tackles with 11. Willis led the team in receiving, catching three passes for 75 yards and a touchdown.
The Muskies end their season at 4-6 overall, and 3-6 in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
Fifteen members of the Muskingum senior class were honored before the game. Dana Russell, Tyler Angle, Christian Ecrement, Nicholas Balkovec, Adam Widder, Mitch Hasman, Granger Long, Warren Wilson, Tre'Von Potts, Sean Gerst, Staci Wilson, Maclane Wilder, Brandon Schon, Chase Longhauser and Jakob Yost. Also recognized were equipment manager Zach Fuhrer, and cheerleader Hannah Doore. Muskingum also remembered Bryce Skok, who passed away in 2015 after a tragic car accident.
