Forgive John Carroll football fans in attendance Oct. 12 at Don Shula Stadium if they might have been preoccupied while the Blue Streaks were in action. It was that kind of afternoon in Northeast Ohio. While the Guardians were finishing off the Tigers, 7-3, in Game 5 of the American League Division Series and advancing to play the Yankees in the ALCS, JCU completely dismantled Capital, 49-14. Save a second-quarter fumble deep in Capital territory, there weren’t many first-half mistakes for the Blue Streaks. As for the fans at Shula Stadium, the biggest cheer came when the 5-1 score was announced after Lane Thomas’ grand slam in the fifth inning. John Carroll’s Davon Badley of Harvey makes a tackle against Capital on Oct. 12 in University Heights. (Lianna Holub — For The News-Herald) As for big plays by the Blue Streaks (3-2, 3-1 Ohio Athletic Conference), there were plenty as they built a 35-0 halftime lead It was an absolute dominant first half for Coach Jeff Behrman’s team. “We talk about that all the time, leave no doubt,” said Behrman. “… As the season goes on, we keep talking about owning the line of scrimmage and we did that.” The Blue Streaks outgained Capital in the first two quarters, 345-44, had 16 first downs to their opponent’s three. For the game, JCU outgained the Comets by a whopping margin, 586-174. Newsom TD No. 3 as @JCUFootball leads Capital 28-0 @jcusports @NHPreps #d3fb pic.twitter.com/JyCeP8H0wa — Mark Podolski (@mpodo) October 12, 2024 Running back Quincy Newsom scored three first-half touchdowns and Evan McVay had 81 yards on just three carries. McVay also had a punt and kickoff return for an additional 76 yards in the first half. He finished with 215 all-purpose yards. Meanwhile, quarterback Nick Semptimphelter continued his solid play with a near-perfect first half — 13 of 14 for 163 yards and a TD pass to Dorian Facen Jr. (four receptions, 55 yards). He finished 17 of 19 for 216 yards.  .@JCUFootball 35, Capital 0, late q2#d3fb @jcusports pic.twitter.com/hIWe46mbwr — Mark Podolski (@mpodo) October 12, 2024 In the second half, Newsom made it 42-0 early in the third quarter with his fourth TD of the game, this one a 16-yard run. It was the first time since 2018 — and just the ninth time in program history — a JCU player scored four TDs in a game. Newsom finished with 111 yards on 12 attempts. Teammate Nemo Jenkins added 97 yards on 12 carries. Newsom earned his first start at JCU, which Behrman said his running back earned in practice. “He’s really consistent,” said the JCU coach. “We talk to our players about that all time. The thing about Quincy is he’s always gaining yards.” The four TDs were a career-high for Newsom, who said he had three in a game several times during his prep career at Twinsburg. It was a performance he will remember for a while. “When I found out I was starting Friday, I could barely sleep,” said Newsom. “I was not expecting four (TDs.)” Kirtland junior linebacker Mason Rus — the 2021 Tony Fisher Award winner — had himself a moment late in the fourth quarter with back-to-back sacks. Running back Josh Styles of Lake Catholic ran well with 31 yards on five totes. The game against the Comets (0-5, 0-4 OAC) was definitely a get-well game for JCU but things will get more difficult, starting next week. The Blue Streaks — who returned to the national rankings this week at No. 25 in the D3football.com Top 25 poll — next host crosstown rival Baldwin Wallace on Oct. 19 for homecoming. It will also be the last time the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl will be on the line during the rivalry game. Next fall, JCU will be a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference. The score John Carroll 49, Capital 14