TIFFIN – The Wilmington College football team turned the ball over seven times, five via interceptions, and fell to Heidelberg Saturday, 44-0, in Ohio Athletic Conference action.

Wilmington falls to 1-7 on the year, 0-7 in the OAC. The Quakers have lost 28 straight league games dating back to the 2012 season.

Heidelberg is 4-4 overall, 4-3 in the league play.

Heidelberg defeated Wilmington 53-10 last year and leads the series 10-7. The last WC win against Heidelberg came in 2008, 23-20.

Heidelberg scored twice in the final 1:16 of the first half to double its lead from 15-0 to 30-0 to seize control of the game.

Making his first start at quarterback this season, and just the second start at the position in his career, converted receiver Justin Lee (Middletown, OH/Madison) was 9-of-21 for 82 yards and three interceptions.

Freshman receiver Jeffrey Ponichtera (Austin, TX/Round Rock), in the first extended action of his career, hauled in three passes for a team-high 34 yards. Freshman Gunner Kelly (Lexington, KY/Henry Clay) pulled down a team-high four passes for 26 yards.

Junior Chase Manica (Shelbyville, KY/Shelby County) led the rushing attack with 69 yards on 17 rushes.

Senior Tarrell Starckey (Richmond, VA/Highland Springs) had a team-high 12 tackles, 11 of them solos, with one tackle for loss and two pass breakups. Senior Jason Phillips (Etiwanda, CA/Etiwanda) added seven tackles with a forced fumble and an interception, while senior Nick Williams (Cleveland, OH/Fairview) added seven tackles and a blocked field goal.

Wilmington (1-7 overall, 0-7 OAC) hosts Ohio Northern 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the final home game of the season.