Rain And Nationally-Ranked Capital Dampen Heidelberg’s Home Opener

A light mist of rain combined with nationally-ranked Capital University dampened the Heidelberg College football team's 2006 home opener, 65-7. Capital, who entered the contest ranked No. 5 in the nation, improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Ohio Athletic Conference, while the Berg dropped to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in league action.

Capital opened the contest, scoring on its first five possessions, but the Berg defense did not back down. Heidelberg's Brian West (Huron, Ohio / Huron) recorded a hard hit on Capital’s Mike Niedzwiecki to force a fumble with just over four minutes to play in the opening half. Brian West recovered the fumble at the Capital 29-yard line which set up Heidelberg’s lone score of the game. The Berg put together a seven-play 29-yard drive capped off by a quarterback keeper by Bryan Prorok (Baltimore, Ohio / Liberty Union). Chris Cola (Strongsville, Ohio / Strongsville) carried the ball four times for 12 yards and Kenny Sims (Garfield Heights, Ohio / Garfield Heights) added one carry for a yard to help set up the Prorok score.

The Heidelberg fumble and score swung the momentum in favor of the Berg just prior to the break. On the ensuing drive after the Heidelberg score, Fran Cavotta (Highland Heights, Ohio / North Olmsted) intercepted a Rocky Pentello pass, but the Berg did not attempt a play as time expired in the first half. Capital entered the locker room with a 35-7 lead.

Capital regained the momentum from Heidelberg in the second half, scoring on all five of its possessions. Four different Crusaders reached the goal line, while a Matt Spitz's 19-yard field goal was sandwiched in the middle.

Prorok and Steve West (Huron, Ohio / Huron) combined to finish 4-of-13 passing on the day. All four passes were to different receivers highlighted by a 12-yard gain by tight end Eric Hazlett (Loveland, Ohio / Loveland). Senior Chad Packard (Brook Park, Ohio / Midpark) led the Berg defense with seven tackles followed by six from Brian West and five apiece from Andrew Eichhorn (Galion, Ohio / Colonel Crawford), Brandon Grim (Litchfield, Ohio / Buckeye) and Chris Strawser (Circleville, Ohio / Circleville).

Pentello finished 18-for-22 passing for 301 yards and four touchdowns. Pentello’s main receiving threat was Derek Alexander who hauled in eight catches for 144 yards.

Heidelberg's stay in Tiffin was short as the Berg heads back on the road next week at Mount Union College. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.