October 29, 2000

'Berg suffers defeat to Otterbein

By Dave Feltner
Sports Editor

It wouldn't take 1,000 words to describe a picture of the Heidelberg football players after Saturday afternoon's game against Otterbein.

One word -- disappointment -- certainly would suffice.

After fighting back from a 16-0 deficit to draw within two points at halftime, The 'Berg couldn't find the end zone in the second half and suffered its eighth defeat in as many games this season, 16-14 to the Cardinals.

"They're just disappointed," Heidelberg coach Larry Shank said of his team. "I cannot say enough about how hard these kids have worked and how they've kept their attitude. Their attitude is great; they're just upset, like we all are. It's just a hurdle we haven't been able to go over."

The problem for Heidelberg (0-8, 0-7 Ohio Athletic Conference) has been digging gaping holes early. And the story Saturday was no different.

On Otterbein's second play from scrimmage, freshman quarterback Aaron Powell lofted a deep pass for a wide open Kenneth Mock, who made the catch and raced 60 yards to the Heidelberg 5-yard line.

The next play, tailback Shane Rannebarger took a toss to the right side and beat The 'Berg defense to the end zone. The PAT was blocked, but Otterbein (3-5, 2-5) had a 6-0 lead.

Heidelberg went three-and-out, and on the second play of Otterbein's second possession, Rannebarger broke a 55-yarder to the Heidelberg 21.

Five plays later Rannebarger (34 carries, 147 yards) had his second TD, this one from 7-yards out for a 13-0 lead with 7:50 left in the first quarter.

Brett Dorsett kicked a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter to swell the Cardinals' lead to 16-0.

"We've started late all year," Shank said. "We have not gotten off to a good start in any game, and today's an example of that. We get down and then come back. If we ever get on top, I think this team will be hard to play with."

The comeback began in oddest of fashions.

Otterbein was on the move again at the Heidelberg 15 on its next possession, when defensive end Matt Simon tipped a Powell pass into the air.

The ball fell into nose tackle Brad Bryant's arms, and after picking up a key block from Simon, Bryant raced -- OK, lumbered -- 82 yards for a touchdown. The first of two John Woolridge PATs brought Heidelberg within 16-7 with 8:05 left in the half.

The 'Berg got a break on the ensuing kickoff when Rayshawn Wilson coughed up the ball into the hands of Nathan Resendez at the Otterbein 25.

Quarterback Brian Frank capped an abbreviated drive with a 1-yard scoring sneak on third-and-goal with 4:46 left in the half.

But after that, neither team seriously threatened the end zone.

Heidelberg's best shot came in the third quarter when Pete Gordon returned a punt 57 yards to the Otterbein 30. Kelly Rapp hit the line for 3 yards on the first play, but the drive fizzled out after four Frank incompletions.

Frank was just 4-for-19 passing in the second half, but to his defense he rarely had an open target to shoot at.

"I thought our defense, after getting off to a slow start, really stepped it up in the second half," Frank said. "They played well. We just didn't convert offensively. We didn't catch the ball, and we didn't make things happen. And we have to have both sides of the ball playing together.

"(Otterbein's) defensive coordinator really does a nice job," he said. "I've been impressed with their defensive backs all year. They did a nice job changing up coverages on us."

Frank finished 10-of-29 for 108 yards and two interceptions, including one by Columbian grad Seth Watson. James Denegall caught five passes for 67 yards, and Rapp finished with 62 yards on 21 carries.

Arthur Miller led the defense with 15 tackles, while Matt Brinkman and Jesse Miller had 12 apiece. Jesse Miller and Matt Simon had two sacks apiece for 'Berg, and Arthur Miller, Ken York and David Novak contributed one apiece. Gordon broke up a pair of passes and recovered two fumbles.