Robert Flagg

The College of Wooster helped induce six turnovers from Ohio Wesleyan University, sealing a win shortly after the fifth when the Fighting Scots turned an interception into a two-play, five-yard touchdown drive to go ahead 22-13 with less than 5:00 remaining in the fourth quarter, as that turned out to be the final score at Selby Field's first-ever night game in Delaware, Ohio.

With the score 15-13 well into the fourth, Wooster (2-2) appeared to be marching its way to the game-clinching touchdown, but then committed one of its three turnovers on the evening, giving the ball to Ohio Wesleyan (0-4) at its two-yard line. On the very next play from scrimmage, the Scots' defense pressured the quarterback in the end zone, and to avoid the safety, he tossed the ball up for grabs, with Wooster linebacker Matt Breidigam coming down with it on the five-yard line.

Robert Flagg, who tallied 207 all-purpose yards over the game, took it from there, as the running back went for three yards and then the final two on a pair of rushes en route to his second touchdown and a nearly insurmountable nine-point lead with 4:23 on the clock.

The Battling Bishops had the crowd, estimated at 6,200, excited early, as Keegan Varner picked off a pass on the second play from scrimmage and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown.

Just a couple minutes later the Scots took advantage of a turnover, as on the ensuing series they were forced to punt, but Ohio Wesleyan couldn't handle Dana Obery's 50-yard boot and Flagg recovered a fumble on the 14-yard line. Five plays later, Wooster faced 4th-and-goal at the two-yard line and went for it, paying off in the form of a Richard Barnes-to-Mike Redick touchdown pass on the right side. The Scots missed the point after attempt, though, so they trailed 7-6.

Thanks in part to a Bishops' missed field goal and an interception by Wooster's Quinton Howard, the score remained that way until Ryan Miner came in for the first field goal attempt of his career with 5:04 to play in the second quarter. The Scots' sophomore drilled a 40-yarder, capping a 10-play, 55-yard possession, to make it a 9-7 game. Noteworthy, it marked the first 40-yard field goal by a Wooster kicker since Richie McNally made one from 41 at Wabash College Oct. 16, 2004.

With a three-and-out from their defense, the Scots scored again a possession later. Flagg did most of the work, albeit via passes from Barnes. Of the four plays, three went to Flagg through the air, including the last, a short pass in the flat that he turned into a 25-yard touchdown. Again though, Wooster misfired on an extra point, which put the score at 15-7 with 1:22 before the half.

The Scots actually had another opportunity to add points on the board before the break. A Taylor Trout interception gave the offense possession at the Ohio Wesleayn 38 with :27 left. Wooster would gain 23 yards, only to see a 32-yard field goal attempt sail wide as the halftime siren went off.

The third quarter turned into a defensive grind until late when Bishop quarterback David Walendar started using his running ability effectively. In a drive that spanned the third and fourth quarters, Walendar rushed for 50 yards of a 13-play, 89-yard series that ended when he found Jermar Rayford in the left corner of the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Ohio Wesleyan went for the two-point try to tie, but this time, the Scots' defense smothered Walendar on the ground.

The Bishops would not get the ball again until they were pinned back at their own two and turned it over, leading to the decisive score.

Overall, Wooster outgained Ohio Wesleyan 361-318, but it was the six takeaways that were the difference. The defense came up with four interceptions, two by Trout, while the two fumbles were both during special teams.

Flagg was a workhorse, leading the team in both rushing and receiving yards – 120 on 21 carries and 87 on five catches. Barnes completed 16-of-22 passes for 229 yards, with seven going to Redick for 77 yards.

Walendar netted 65 on the ground to lead the Bishops in rushing and he also was 7-of-22 for 112 passing yards.

The Scots will be on the road once again next Saturday, as they travel to North Coast Athletic Conference foe Denison University (3-1, 1-0 NCAC).