Mediocrity has been the theme of this year’s Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets as they again fell for the fifth time this season; this time to the Case Western Reserve University Spartans 41-6 on Oct. 17.

The Yellow Jackets’ offense again struggled. Achieving just 269 total yards of offense on 64 plays and just six points, the first time this season the team did not reach double-digit points. Freshman quarterback Jaylen Bester started for the offense but was pulled after just five passing attempts and an interception. Head coach Larry Wilson called on backup freshman Dominic Hickman.

“For what we’re trying to do, nobody really yet has stepped forth and has consistently had great tape to say they’re the guy,” Wilson said. “We’re still trying to figure out who that guy is going to be.”

Hickman was the game’s leading passer with 151 yards on 12 completions and found the end zone for the lone Yellow Jackets touchdown on a 12-yard rush. However, Hickman again struggled in the turnover margin. Hickman was picked off again and has gone two straight games with at least one interception and now has a total of eight on the season.

Senior receiver Tyler Richmond and junior receiver Colton Lee were Hickman’s favorite targets. Richmond hauled in four passes for 56 yards while Lee caught five for 44 yards. 

Gifting free points to the opposing team has been the Yellow Jackets demise this season. Spartans’ Yaw Gyamfi had both interceptions for the Spartans’ defense and returned both for touchdowns.

“He (Hickman) didn’t check all his boxes and put the ball where it was not supposed to go and it ended in a pick-six,” Wilson said. “I’ve seen him (Hickman) versus that coverage and progress it out the right way but there’s a process of getting that bad football out.”

The defense was the shining piece of the Yellow Jackets squad. Limiting the Spartans to 113 passing yards, achieving two sacks, nine tackles for loss with sophomore defensive back Jeremiah Hall and junior linebacker Precious Jinyemiema each having two and sophomore defensive back Anthony Crews getting his first interception of his collegiate career. 

“The defense focuses on every play running to the ball and for players to read keys and knowing assignments,” Hall said. “Waynesburg defense believes in all players on the field finding the ball and running to it because you never know what opportunities may present themselves.” 

The Yellow Jackets return to John F. Wiley Stadium in a noon kickoff where they host the Grove City College Wolverines in another Presidents’ Athletic Conference matchup.