HOBART, Ind. – The Ohio Dominican football team set three program records Saturday, Dec. 7, but dropped its 2019 season finale in the America's Crossroads Bowl to No. 23 Truman State, 21-7.

The Panthers conclude their season with a 7-3 record, finishing with seven-plus wins for the seventh consecutive season. Truman State finished with a 10-2 overall mark, its first ever 10-win season in 111 years of football.

For his efforts, senior Camren Moore (New Carlisle, Ohio) was named the bowl's defensive player of the game. Moore, closed his collegiate career by tying a single-game career high with 16 tackles. The senior also recorded an interception and one forced fumble in the contest.

With his third 16-tackle game of the season, Moore broke the program's career record with 299 stops. His total surpasses the previous school record of 294 set by Ross Thompson and Justin Bell.

Setting a single season school record during the bowl contest was sophomore Jaylin Garner (Shaker Heights, Ohio). Garner had ODU's only sack in the game, which gave him 9.0 for the season, surpassing Sydney Omameh's 2014 total of 8.5. The sophomore also had a season-best six tackles.

The third school record came in the first quarter on a punt from junior Logen Neidhardt (Hicksville, Ohio). Neidhardt logged an attempt of 73 yards, which broke the previous record of 68 yards, held by Mitch Croy. The junior finished with five punts, a 45.6 yard average and his school-record attempt was downed at the Truman one-yard line.

The nationally-ranked Bulldogs took the opening drive 74 yards over 19 plays and 10:31 to get on the scoreboard first. The ODU defense held Truman at the goal line, forcing a field goal.

After a three-and-out on its first offensive possession, the Panthers received the 73-yard punt from Neidhardt to pin the Bulldogs deep. Truman though, then took its next possession the full length of the field over 14 plays, capped by a nine-yard touchdown run to go in front 10-0, with 12:21 remaining in the first half.

ODU's third offensive drive resulted in points, as redshirt freshman Jake Woycke (Bridgetown, Ohio) scored on an eight-yard quarterback draw. Woycke's touchdown made the score 10-7 with 2:13 remaining in the second quarter.

In his first collegiate start, Woycke, who was replacing all-GMAC performer Evan Ernst (Mason, Ohio), finished with 10 completions on 24 attempts for 87 yards. He added five rushes for 29 yards on the ground.

Truman added a field goal on the final possession of the first half, giving the Bulldogs a 13-7 advantage at the break. Truman held a 237-94 edge in total offensive yards over the first 30 minutes, but the Panthers still trailed by just one possession and were scheduled to receive the second half kickoff.

ODU took the first drive of the third quarter down to the TSU 29-yard line, but failed to convert on a fourth and nine. The Bulldogs then went 71 yards and added another rushing touchdown to make the score 21-7.

The Black & Gold then had five additional offensive possessions, but could not add any points to their total. Truman held the ball for the final 5:20 of the game to secure the two-touchdown win in the inaugural America's Crossroads Bowl.

Overall, Truman held a 368-169 edge in total offensive yards. Senior EJ Colson (Middletown, Ohio) finished with 59 rushing yards on 23 carries and classmate Cedric Washington (Knoxville, Tenn.) led the receivers with 39 yards on two receptions. Washington closed his collegiate career with at least one catch in all 31 appearances at ODU.

Four Panthers finished with double-digit tackles, led by Moore. Junior Dauson Dales (Defiance, Ohio) added a career-high 15 tackles. Senior Gus Dimmerling (Perrysburg, Ohio) and junior Jayden Davis (Springfield, Ohio) each pitched in with 11 stops. Senior Chris Green (Toledo, Ohio) registered eight tackles and recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter.

Despite the loss, ODU still logged its ninth consecutive winning season. The Panthers were 6-1 in the Great Midwest, good enough for second place in the final standings. The Black & Gold had 20 all-conference performers, while Moore and Neidhardt have also been named D2CCA All-Region selections.

Contact: Tyler Jester

jestert@ohiodominican.edu