The Gustavus football team got off to a slow start for the third consecutive game and #3 Saint John’s took advantage by jumping out to a 13-0 lead on their way to a decisive 40-0 win in front of a standing room only Homecoming crowd of 5,200 at Hollingsworth Field. The Gustie offense never got on track in the game compiling a meager 133 yards of total offense against the Johnnie defensive unit. Gustavus has now lost three straight games and falls to 3-3 overall and 2-3 in the MIAC.
Saint John’s got off to a very fast start as senior quarterback Alex Kofoed found a wide open Brett Vanderheyden on the first play from scrimmage and Vanderheyden scampered 54 yards to the Gustavus 11-yard line. Three plays later, Kofoed completed a screen pass to Aaron Blackmore and he waltzed into the end zone from the 11-yard line giving the Johnnies a 6-0 lead. Russell Gliadon converted the extra point and Saint John’s led 7-0.
After the Gusties were shut down on their first offensive possession, the Johnnies marched 65 yards in seven plays scoring on a 16-yard pass from Kofoed to Brian Weber. The extra point was missed and the Johnnies led 13-0.
The second quarter was dominated by Saint John’s as Kofoed threw three more touchdown passes including touchdowns of 17 and 21 yards to Saladin, and a 13-yard strike to Aaron Blackmore. Jeff Snobrich also scored on a 27-yard run and the Johnnies led 33-0 at halftime.
Gustavus was hoping to get off to a quick start in the second half, however quarterback Jordan Stolp was sacked on the second play from scrimmage and he fumbled with the Johnnies recovering on the Gustavus 39-yard line. Saint John’s scored seven plays later when Kofoed completed a 13-yard TD strike to Blackmore. Gliadon’s extra point made the score 40-0.
Neither team would put any points on the board in the final 28 minutes of the game as the Johnnies remained undefeated with shutout win over the Gusties.
Saint John’s quarterback Alex Kofoed pushed his career touchdown pass total to 88 and moved to within 41 yards of becoming the career yards passing leader in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Johnnie Head Coach John Gagliardi reached another milestone as he recorded his 450th career victory.
Gustavus was able to compile only 133 yards of total offense including 89 yards passing and 42 yards rushing, while the Johnnies amassed 508 yards of total offense including 356 yards passing and 152 yards rushing.
The Gusties were led offensively by wide receiver Cameron Maurer who made three catches for 51 yards. Defensively, safety Joe Welch compiled 12 tackles (six solo) including one sack. Linebacker Jared Sieling posted 10 tackles (four solo). Defensive tackle Brian Berglund intercepted a pass, while another defensive tackle Christian Vanek recovered a fumble.
The Gusties (3-3, 2-3) will host Macalester next Saturday at 1:00 pm, while Saint John’s (7-0, 5-0) travels to St. Paul to face Hamline at 1:00 pm.