In a rivalry football game with a trophy on the line, it’s customary the winner holds on to that trophy until the rivals meet again.
When a rivalry comes to an end, what happens to that trophy?
Blue Streaks Secure Victory
To the winners, go the spoils on Oct. 19. For John Carroll, it doesn’t get much sweeter after its stirring 20-16 win over visiting Baldwin Wallace.
Quarterback Nick Semptimphelter’s 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kenneth Rawls with 52 seconds remaining in regulation was the game-winner.
The Cuyahoga Gold Bowl had stayed with the Blue Streaks for 11 straight seasons before Oct. 19 and now it’s No. 12 — and likely for a long time.
“It will stay in the Shula room upstairs,” said JCU coach Jeff Behrman about the Blue-Gold Room that acts as a shrine to Blue Streaks football. “We proudly display it.”
Series Closure and Winning Streak
As for closing out the series with a whopping 12 straight wins vs. BW, Behrman said: “It’s a credit to the John Carroll University football program … It’s blue-collar, it’s gritty, it’s ‘find a way.’”
JCU (4-2, 4-1) will leave the Ohio Athletic Conference for the North Coast Athletic Conference for the start of the 2024-25 season, thus ending the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl rivalry.
JCU Stages a Comeback
In the second half, JCU flipped a switch and dominated in the third quarter. It started with a 25-yard TD catch by Tyren Montgomery from Semptimphelter (19 of 30, 240 yards, two TD passes). Five minutes later, running back Nemo Jenkin (seven carries, 63 yards), ran for a 3-yard TD and it was 14-10.
JCU looked like it was about to go 21-10 on a short TD catch by Evan McVay but the Blue Streaks were called for offensive pass interference. A missed field goal kept the game at 14-10, and BW took advantage.
It put together a 19-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 13-yard pass to Tim Conwell from Charlie Bubonics. With 2 minutes, 25 seconds to play, it was 16-14 after BW’s extra-point attempt was missed.
The Blue Streaks needed 1:33 to reclaim the lead. Semtimphelter’s 22-yard run on the ensuing drive to the BW 10 was the big play.
“They had pretty good coverage and I saw an opening so I took it,” said Semtimphelter on the key run. “I knew all we needed was a field goal but obviously we got the touchdown.”
Closing Moments
The Yellow Jackets had one final shot at a comeback win, but Bubonics’ pass with no time on the clock was knocked to the turf by a host of Blue Streaks defenders and the JCU celebration began.
JCU had 397 yards of total offense to BW’s 311. Bubonics was 32 of 48 passing for 277 yards, two TD passes and two interceptions.
Montgomery was the Blue Streaks’ leading receiver with four catches for 88 yards. Evan McVay added four receptions for 58 yards. Linebacker Tyler Thimons led the JCU defense with 14 stops.
Final Score
John Carroll 20, Baldwin Wallace 16
Originally Published:
Additional Insight:
The intense rivalry game significantly impacted the end of the series, culminating in a memorable victory for John Carroll University. Their ability to rally back in the second half showcased their resilience and determination, solidifying their dominance over Baldwin Wallace. The closure of the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl rivalry marks the end of an era, leaving a lasting legacy for the Blue Streaks and their dedicated fans.
