Michael Veldman fakes a handoff to David Peal. (photo courtesy of BJ Pickard, MIAC)
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Gustavus football team suffered a 31-0 loss at Bethel on Saturday afternoon. The Gusties fall to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the MIAC, while the Royals improve to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the league.
Bethel started the game with possession and was driving deep into Gustavus territory, but a fumble forced by John Krohn (Sr., Richfield, Minn.) and recovered by Kolt Gorg (Jr., Blue Earth, Minn.) gave the Gusties the ball at their own 20-yard line. A quick three-and-out forced a Gustavus punt and the snap sailed over Brayton Finch’s (Jr., Mount Morris, Ill.) head an into the end zone, resulting in what proved to be the game-winning safety.
The Royals ended their next three drives in the end zone, along with a blocked punt return for a score, and carried a 28-0 lead into halftime. The final score of the day came on a 28-yard field goal in the third quarter. Bethel outgained Gustavus 353-139. The Gusties were held to 84 yards passing and 55 yards on the ground. The home team also maintained possession for 35:36.
Michael Veldman (Sr., Becker, Minn.) completed 5-of-20 passes for 84 yards and was sacked three times. David Peal (Fy., Worcester, Mass.) gained 26 yards on 12 carries, and Josh Kirk (Jr., Garvin, Minn.) caught two passes for 52 yards. For the fourth-straight game, Matt Berkner (Sr., Sleepy Eye, Minn.) led the team with 11 tackles.
Gustavus now enters its bye week and will next host Concordia on Oct. 6 for its Homecoming and Hall of Fame Day.