Tiffin, Ohio – November 6, 2010 – The 2010 home finale for the Heidelberg University football team offered a thrilling Ohio Athletic Conference game that saw the host ’Berg post a 37-35 victory over John Carroll University.
Down four with six minutes to play, Heidelberg ran off just over five minutes off the clock before Andrew Miller (Dalton, Ohio / Dalton) connected with Mike Preston (Euclid, Ohio / Euclid) for a 15-yard touchdown to put the Berg on a top, 37-35. A failed point after left an opportunity for JCU to position itself for a 41-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining, but the Blue Streaks could not capitalize and its gave the Berg its third win in a row.
The victory improves Heidelberg to 5-4 overall and evens its OAC record at 4-4, while John Carroll falls to 4-5, 4-4. The five wins marks the most wins by the Berg since finishing with five in 1997 and it snaps a 16-game losing streak to JCU.
Today’s game also marked the final home game for a host of seniors including Neal Renna (Lockport, Ill. / Lockport), Tony McMorrow (Orrville, Ohio / Orrville), Nate Kater (Villa Kills, Ky. / Covington Catholic), Sam Driscoll (University Heights, Ohio / St. Ignatius), Jesse Hawkins (Georgetown, Ky. / Scott County), Chance Ferrell (Garfield Heights, Ohio / Garfield Heights), Tommy Cobus (Columbus, Ohio / Westland), Vaughn Klein (Gallwoay, Ohio / Central Crossing), Miller, Chris Bowden (Springboro, Ohio / Springboro), Chris Hogan (Springfield, Ohio / Kenton Ridge), Thomas Van Winkle (Frazeysburg, Ohio / East Knox), Miles Yetter (Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Jerome) and Preston. Also assisting with the program over the last four years as been equipment manager Laurie Kaltenmeier.
All the seniors, along with their parents, were honored prior to kick off. Aside from his senior recognition, Renna was joined by Lt. Commander Timoth A. Swansiger of the US Navy. Upon graduation, Renna will begin his appointment with the US Navy Officer Candidiate School. Lt. Commander Timoth A. Swansiger was on hand today to officially commission Renna. Also following the win the entire team gathered at University Hall, where the victory bell is located to help mark the win.
For the game, Heidelberg finished with 559 yards of total offense, which is spread on the ground and in the air. Preston finished with 151 yards receiving on nine catches with one touchdown. He now has 2,666 career receiving yards, which tops the Heidelberg record of 2,586 held by Greg Lehrer (1990-93).
Joining Preston in the record books today was Hawkins. Hawkins connected on a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter to increase his career total to 28 which ties the Heidelberg record held by John Davis (1985-88).
Leading the ground game was Germany Woods (Cleveland, Ohio / St. Edwards). Woods eclipsed 100-yards for the third straight outing after finishing with 177 in 27 carries. He also ran for two scores as well. Overall Woods tallied 245 all-purpose yards after registering 13 receiving and 55 on kick return. Brad Jones (Lorain, Ohio / Lorain Southview) added 56 yards in 13 attempts with one touchdown.
John Carroll finished with 484 yards of total offense. The Blue Streaks had 260 yards rushing and 224 passing. Leading the Berg defense was Craig Sykes (Centerburg, Ohio / Centerbug) with nine tackles. Andy Fadenholz (Grafton, Ohio / Keystone) had seven stops. Out of the secondary Tyler Levanduski (Amherst, Ohio / Steele) and Travis Coates (Columbus, Ohio / Beechcroft) had an interception apiece.
JCU and Heidelberg traded scores in the opening quarter. The visitors found the end zone on its first possession, but the Berg responded on its ensuing possession with a five-yard run by Woods.
Heidelberg took its first lead of the game with 10:12 on the clock in the second quarter. The Berg set up for a field goal on John Carroll’s 17-yard line, but Miller, who is the holder, took the snap and ran it in to take over the scoreboard. Both sides went on to trade scores and the Berg held a 28-21 lead at halftime.
Hawkins 24-yard field goal was the only score in the third quarter and JCU would take a 35-31 lead after scoring on its first two series of the fourth quarter. But the Berg rallied and found the end zone with 52 seconds left and the defense forced a JCU field goal attempt, which was wide left.