Mitch Anderson scampers for a first down. (photo courtesy D3sports.com)
Chad Arlt lunges for the Gusties first touchdown. (photo courtesy D3sports.com)
The Gustavus football team could not keep up with the high-powered St. Olaf offense as the Oles raced past the Gusties by the score of 59-19 in Northfield on Saturday afternoon. The Gusties trailed 14-9 at the end of the first quarter, however the Oles erupted for 21 points in the second quarter and led 35-12 at halftime. Gustavus which was averaging 537 yards of offense was held to 296 yards on the day. Wide receiver John Retka led the offense with six catches for 85 yards and one touchdown.
The Gusties got themselves into a hole early when they twice got inside the Ole five-yard line, but were unable to cross the goal line and had to settle for a couple of John Ostertag field goals. Meanwhile, St. Olaf was not having any trouble finding the end zone and built its lead from 14-9 at the end of the first quarter to 35-12 at halftime.
The second half was much of the same as the Gusties were unable to sustain drives, while the Oles drove up and down the field on the Gustavus defense. Jordan Stolp, who had only been sacked three times in the first three games of the season, and had not thrown an interception, was sacked four times in the game and threw two interceptions.
Gustavus finished the day with 296 yards of total offense including 221 yards passing and 75 rushing, while St. Olaf piled up 602 yards of total offense. The Gusties, who had been averaging over 90 plays a game in their first three games, were limited to 67 plays by the Oles. Senior running back Mitch Anderson was held under 100 yards rushing for the first time this season as he carried 16 times for 76 yards. Jordan Stolp finished the day completing 17-of-34 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Retka led all receivers with six catches for 85 yards and one touchdown. Chad Arlt, who was averaging 10 catches and 153 yards a game coming into the contest, was limited to three catches for 22 yards and one touchdown.
The Gusties, who are now 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the MIAC, will travel to Arden Hills next week to face Bethel, which improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the MIAC, with a 19-18 win over St. Thomas on Saturday. Game time is 1:00 pm.