SALINA, Kan. – The Ottawa University football team was defeated 23-20 by Kansas Wesleyan University on Saturday afternoon at JRI Stadium.
It was a scoreless first quarter for both teams. Ottawa broke the scoreless tie with a 22 yard field goal by
Rhett Andersen with 13:33 left in the second quarter to give OU a 3-0 lead.
The two teams exchanged punts and KWU took over on its own 11 yard line with 8:24 left in the half. The Coyotes moved the ball to the Brave 33 yard line. The OU defense held, forcing a KWU field goal attempt. It was good and the game was tied 3-3 with 6:01 remaining in the first half.
Ottawa turned the ball over on the first play of its next offensive possession and KWU was first and 10 from the Brave 21 yard line. OU's defense did not give up a touchdown, forcing a second straight KWU field goal attempt. The 28 yard kick was good and KWU had a 6-3 lead with 3:40 on the clock.
The Braves were forced to punt on its next offensive possession. Kansas Wesleyan was able to increase its lead with the first touchdown of the game, taking the 13-3 lead over the Braves.
OU tried to answer, moving the ball to the KWU 22 yard line. Ottawa had the ball third and seven, but could not complete the pass attempt. Andersen came on with two seconds on the clock to attempt a 40 yard field goal. The attempt was wide left and KWU took a 13-3 lead into the locker room.
Ottawa received the ball to start the third quarter and drove to the KWU five yard line. OU was not able to convert a third and five and attempted a 22 yard field goal. That attempt by Andersen went wide left and with 11:45 on the clock, KWU had the ball on its own 20 yard line.
The OU defense forced a punt and the Braves took over on their own 44 yard line. Ottawa moved the ball to the KWU 39 yard line, where the drive stalled. OU went for it on fourth and four. The attempt was no good and KWU took over on downs. Three plays and 61 yards later, KWU extended its lead with a 41 yard touchdown pass. The extra point kick was good and KWU led 20-3 with 4:49 remaining in the third quarter.
The Braves again moved the ball, driving it to KWU's 25 yard line. OU went for it again, a fourth and three attempt. Ottawa did not convert and KWU took over on downs.
The OU defense forced another Coyote punt and Ottawa took over on its own 20 yard line. One play and 80 yards later
Hagan Johnson found end zone. The extra point kick was good and OU trailed 20-10 with 13:04 remaining in the contest.
The Braves forced a KWU punt and OU's offense took over on its own 50 yard line with 11:50 on the clock. Ottawa drove the ball to the KWU 15 yard line where they attempted a 32 yard field goal. The Andersen kick was good and OU was down 20-13 with 8:40 left in regulation.
After a KWU punt, the Braves took over on its own two yard line. OU was forced to punt. The attempt was blocked and KWU had the ball at the OU 13 yard line with 5:54 left in the fourth quarter.
The OU defense held once again, forcing a field goal attempt on a drive that resulted in negative six yards for the Coyotes. The 36 yard field goal attempt was good and with 4:21 on the clock, OU was down 23-13.
The Braves answered KWU's field goal with a touchdown. OU put together a 13 play, 75 yard scoring drive that ended in a 12 yard touchdown pass from
Taylor Eggers to
De'Anthony Curtis. The extra point kick by
Ethan Yinger was good and with 1:26 on the clock, OU trailed 23-20.
KWU was able to recover the kick, taking over on the Brave 44 yard line. Ottawa was not able to stop KWU and the Coyotes ran out the clock, taking the 23-20 victory.
Inside the Box Score
- Ottawa finished the game with 443 yards of offense, 199 yards passing and 244 yards rushing. KWU had 285 yards of offense, 80 yards passing and 205 yards rushing.
- Taylor Eggers was 19-for-38 through the air for 190 yards and a touchdown.
- Hagan Johnson rushed for 107 yards on 13 carries. He scored one touchdown.
- De'Anthony Curtis led OU with 10 receptions for 142 yards and one touchdown.
- AJ Hemphill finished the game with 10 tackles
- Ethan Fuentes and Christian Coggs had seven tackles apiece.
Who is Next
Ottawa (1-9, 1-3) finishes the season next Saturday, Nov. 16 in Hillsboro, Kan. against Tabor College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
