Tressel Field- In an exhilarating performance on the gridiron, #17 John Carroll University (JCU) showcased its undeniable dominance by trouncing Baldwin Wallace 30-7 in the 35th annual Cuyahoga Gold Bowl Trophy Game. This impressive victory marks the 11th consecutive year JCU has reigned supreme in this fierce and storied rivalry.
While the tension ran high and the crowd was at the edge of their seats during a first quarter in which the Yellow Jackets led for the entirety and the Blue Streaks punted three times, it was JCU's offensive maestro, Joe Collins, who ignited the fire in the second quarter. Demonstrating impeccable poise and precision, the quarterback masterfully led his team to drive which he completed four out of five passes, including a 28 yarder to WR Joe Torok to tie the game at 7.
The team would go on to score 23 unanswered points the rest of the way.
Collins' performance was nothing short of spectacular. With a whopping 302 yards to his name and 2 touchdowns, he became the guy his teammates knew to depend on and undeniably the MVP of the battle. His vision on the field and ability to exploit the gaps in Baldwin Wallace's defense was a masterclass for any budding quarterback.
The duo of running backs Mason Sullivan and Matthew Buser, assisted Collins is moving the chains consistently throughout the game. Sullivan, the speedster of the two average 5.4 yards on the day with a long of 18. Buser, the bruiser back with a running style that reminds some of former Browns running back Peyton Hills scored two late touchdowns that were essentially the finishing touches on the game.
Not to be overshadowed, the JCU defense put up a formidable wall, allowing only a single touchdown, thus ensuring Baldwin Wallace remained on the backfoot throughout the contest. Led by defensive back Chris Golson who had a team high of 7 tackles (including 2 tackles for loss). Their synergy and understanding of the opposition’s game plan played a crucial role in keeping their rivals at bay.
This 11-year winning streak by JCU in the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl series stands as a testament to the consistency, resilience, and unmatched prowess the team brings to the field year after year. Baldwin Wallace, despite their commendable efforts, have found it challenging to break the jinx that seems to hover over them in this matchup.
Blue Streaks Head Coach Jeff Berhman was all smiles postgame as he hoisted the trophy in pictures with players and family members. For a coach in his first year with the team, he couldn't have been more proud of how his players responded helping him to get his first win as head coach.
"Super proud of our guys. We preach to our guys about having emotional stability, knowing there's going to be up's and downs throughout the game. We did a great job this week sharpening the axe. We got here and cut the tree down today." Berhman said postgame.
Fans in attendance from both teams left the stadium with an air of respect for the sheer class and skill displayed by both John Carroll University and Baldwin Wallace.
"Baldwin Wallace is a good team. They always play us tough, but I gotta say it feels good to come out on top for five year straight." JCU WR Brennan Fugh said postgame.
With this victory, they not only secure the coveted Cuyahoga Gold Bowl Trophy but also further solidify their position as one of the powerhouses not only in Ohio Athletic Conference, but all of Division III collegiate football.
As we look ahead to next year's clash, Baldwin Wallace will undoubtedly be yearning to rewrite the script. However, JCU will enter with the confidence of a team that has made the Gold Bowl Trophy its own for over a decade. The stage is set for another epic showdown, and the world will be watching.
Next Up:
(1-1) John Carroll travels to Tiffin, OH to face off again OAC rival (2-0) Heidelberg University Student Princes.
(1-2) Baldwin Wallace also travels to Ada, OH for a matchup with the (1-2) Ohio Northern University Polar Bears.
Official Stats
John Carroll
QB Joe Collins 22/33 302 Yds 2 TD
RB Mason Sullivan 10 carries 56 Yds
Matthew Buser 15 carries 36 Yds 2 TDs
WR Brennan Fug 9 receptions 110 Yds 1 TD
Baldwin Wallace
Joey Marousek 15/27 100 Yds
RB Victor Ford Jr. 9 carries 60 Yds 1 TD
George Linberger 12 carries 38 Yds 1TD
P Joseph Evans 8 punts 335 Yds 41.9 avg 4 inside 20