The John Carroll football team continues to find ways to get it done — and continues to get closer to a chance to play for a national championship. A week after shutting down the high-powered Mount Union offense in a 10-7 victory, the Blue Streaks’ defense forced seven turnovers — including fi ve interceptions — as JCU defeated host Berry, 21-13, in an NCAA Division III quarterfinal in sunny Georgia. Coach Jeff Behrman’s team improved to 12-1 and advanced to a semifinal game at defending national champion North Central on Dec. 20. It’s the third time in program history the Blue Streaks will play in a national semifinal. They are 0-2 in such games. If they can upset the defending national champs on its home turf outside Chicago, JCU would clinch a spot in the Stagg Bowl, set for Jan. 4 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. JCU’s offense did enough early in the game and built a 14-0 halftime lead. Then the third quarter turned into a turnover fest, led by Berry’s four. The first occurred on a muffed punt by the Blue Streaks that gave Berry (11-2) life at the JCU 40. Then on the next play, linebacker Kenny Grobolsek – who last week made the play of the game on a tackle in overtime that sealed the win over Mount Union – stripped the ball from Khamari Smith and into the hands of his teammate Joe Thimons. Looking to extend the lead to 17-0, JCU kicker Colin Schuler tried a 37-yard field goal, but that went off the left upright. Berry took over, but Lamar Thomas intercepted a pass by QB Christian Lewis. JCU’s offense couldn’t take advantage, but on the Vikings’ next possession, a fumble was recovered by nose tackle Tommy Wasinski at the Berry 31. John Carroll tight end Kenny Rawls rumbles for yards during the Blue Streaks' NCAA quarterfinal game at Berry in Georgia on Dec. 13. (Berry College Sports Information) On the Blue Streaks’ next play, running back Quincy Newsome fumbled the ball back to Berry. The Vikings’ last drive of the third quarter ended when Dylan Crasi intercepted a pass by Andrew Hunter. It was the first of two interceptions by Crasi in the third quarter. “There were a lot of ups and downs in that game,” said Behrman. “At one point (in the third quarter), neither offense wanted the ball. The teams kept giving it back to each other. We talked about earning opportunities. To win this game, you were going to have to create opportunities for yourself. That’s what the defense did today. Seven turnovers … an amazing job by the defensive players and coaching staff.” Crasi had to sit out the first half after being ejected from the Mount Union game because of targeting. He made the most of his time when he entered in the third quarter. “Seeing that first half, I was able to jump a few things and it led to some turnovers,” said Crasi. The final tally from the third quarter featured two lost fumbles by JCU and four interceptions and a lost fumble by the Berry offense. John Carroll's Cohen Klimak scores a first-half touchdown during the Blue Streaks' NCAA Division III quarterfinal game at Berry in Mount Berry, Ga., on Dec. 13. (Steven Eckhoff - For The News-Herald) “It was awesome what the defense was able to do for us, but it made us feel bad (as an offense) when we can’t get points,” said JCU freshman running back Cohen Klimak, who had 78 total yards and scored a touchdown. Quincy Newsom scored the game’s first TD on a 1-yard run early in the second quarter. Klimak’s 4-yard catch from QB Nick Semptimphelter pushed the advantage to 14-0 just before halftime. When the third quarter was complete, JCU settled down and used Crasi’s second pick to set up its final TD, a Semtimphelter 7-yard TD pass to tight end Kenny Rawls that made it 21-0. Berry made a last-ditch effort with two fourth-quarter TDs and made it 21-13 with two minutes to play, but an onside kickoff failed, and the Blue Streaks ran out the clock. Semtimphelter had an efficient day. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Rawls finished with five receptions for 78 yards and a TD. Ty Montgomery started fast in the first quarter and for the game had nine catches for 126 yards. His season totals are 109 catches, 1,392 yards and 15 touchdowns. An unsung hero for the Blue Streaks was punter Owen Schuckert, who averaged 42.8 yards on his six kicks. Five landed inside the Berry 20, with two inside the 1. “That’s who Owen is, he’s a weapon,” said Behrman. “The longer you go in a tournament, the field position battle becomes more crucial.” JCU won the total yards battle, 339 to 319, and controlled the ball 34 minutes, 55 seconds to Berry’s 25:05. “We knew we had to control the ball against them,” said Behrman. THE SCORE John Carroll 21, Berry 13 ...read more read less