DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Scholastica football team hosted Gustavus Adolphus College this afternoon. The Gusties totaled 244 yards on the ground today to score six rushing touchdowns and ultimately defeated the Saints 63-12.
How it Happened
The Gusties scored on their first two possessions and the Saints' first two possessions had them moving the ball down the field but would end in a turnover on downs near the Gusties side of the field.
On the third Gustie possession, the Saints would force their opponents to punt, the snap went over the punter's head and out the end zone for a Saints safety and their first one of the season. The Saints would be able to score some points as
Jacob Andrews (Owatonna, Minn./Medford HS) made a 28-yard field goal, making the score 14-5 early in the second quarter.
After two more Gustavus touchdowns,
Andrew Burgess II (Tampa, Fla./Cypress Creek HS) had a kickoff return of 51 yards to put the Saints in good field position. With 3rd & 8,
Donald West (St. Paul, Minn./Woodbury HS (Iowa Central)) connected with his reliable wide receiver
Ricky Weber (Roseville, Minn./Roseville HS) for a 17-yard strike. The duo have connected eight times this season, Weber came into today's game tied for eighth in NCAA Division III with seven receiving touchdowns on the year, and he continues to keep his touchdown streak alive.
Unfortunately, the foes would be able to add another rushing touchdown before the half came to an end, the Gusties headed to the locker room up 35-12.
As the Saints depend on Weber to catch passes, the Gusties have one of their own, Jake Breitbach, who leads all NCAA (FBS, FCS, DII, DIII) in both receptions per game and receiving yards per game, already had one in the second, and added two more touchdowns in third as the Gusties led 49-12.
On the next possession CSS would have a quick three and out, but would get the ball right back as
John Bonner (Grand Rapids, Minn./Grand Rapids HS) would intercept the pass. West would again connect with Weber and complete two passes to
Wyatt Lahr (Bowlus, Minn./Royalton HS) to move down the field. The Saints wouldn't be able to capitalize as they were stopped on the eight yard line.
The fourth quarter would continue to see Gustavus have a strong rushing unit, they would score two more rushing touchdowns to get their first MIAC win on the season.
Top Performers
Weber ended the day with 10 receptions, 138 yards, and a score, while Lahr had seven receptions for 71 yards, respectively.
Ian Strusz (Albertville, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville HS) had nine total tackles today, six being solo tackles and
Anthony Vo (St. Paul, Minn./Roseville HS) managed six total tackles. Bonner had two tackles and earned his first interception on the season, the second in his career.
Up Next, Homecoming!
The Saints (2-3, 1-2 MIAC) will be back at home next Saturday, Oct. 14 and it will also be the college's Homecoming game versus St. Olaf. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
