Rematch looms as MU, JC play semifinals
John Carroll University defeated Mount Union University, 31-28, on Nov. 12 to decide the Ohio Athletic Conference football title. The teams could play a rematch Friday at Salem, Va., in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl which decides the NCAA Division III national title.
However, both must first win on the road today in semifinal games. Mount Union (12-1) travels to Belton, Texas, to take on Mary Hardin-Baylor (13-0) in one semifinal and John Carroll (12-1) goes to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to face Wisconsin-Oshkosh (13-1), in yet another rematch.
Oshkosh beat the Blue Streaks, 33-14, on Sept. 3 in Wisconsin, making today’s game an opportunity for JCU to avenge its only loss. Neither team has ever made it to a title game, and both are making just their second semifinal appearance.
John Carroll has been led this season by senior receiver Marshall Howell from Benedictine, who has 57 catches for 582 yards and nine touchdowns; senior offensive lineman Dominic DiTorro from Lake Catholic, a two-time All-OAC choice; and junior running back Ro Golphin from Gilmour Academy who has 1,069 yards in 13 games, with 11 touchdowns.
The Blue Streaks’ previous national semifinal appearance came in 2002. JCU broke some even longer droughts with its win over Mount Union. It was the first league title for John Carroll since 1994, and the Streaks’ first victory over the Purple Raiders since 1989.
For Mount Union, the loss snapped a 112-game regular-seaosn winning streak which dated back to Oct. 22, 2005. It also forced the Purple Raiders to qualify for the national tournament as an at-large team, putting MU on the road throughout the playoffs.
In typical Mount Union fashion, the Raiders became the first team since the playoffs went to 32 teams to win three straight road games and advance to the semifinals.
The Raiders have faced Mary Hardin-Baylor previously in the national semifinals, needing fourth-quarter rallies both times to win in 2004, 35-21, and in 2012, 48-35. MU is pursuing its 13th NCAA title.
Mount Union’s top players include freshman quarterback Dom Davis from St. Vincent-St. Mary who has started the last eight games and is the nation’s first-rated passer with a rating of 175.0; senior running back Bradley Mitchell from Detroit who is seventh in the nation in rushing with 1,475 yards; and junior defensive tackle Mike Vidal from Miami who has 12.5 sacks and 15.0 tackles for loss.
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