ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Gustavus football team went point-for-point with St. Thomas in the early-going Saturday and made a strong comeback effort late in the game, but eventually lost by a score of 57-36. The Gusties move to 6-3 overall and 4-3 in the MIAC while the Tommies move to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the MIAC.
The two teams played even through the first quarter. Gustavus responded to an early Tommie score on a two-yard touchdown pass from Michael Veldman (Sr., Becker) to Brayton Finch (Sr., Mount Morris, Ill.) near the end of the first quarter. Josh Parks caught a 44-yard touchdown pass to start the second quarter, taking a 14-7 Tommie lead, before Veldman connected with Brice Panning (Sr., Hamburg) for his NCAA-leading 16th receiving touchdown this season. But St. Thomas was able to close out the half with a pair of scores and carried a 29-14 lead into the break.
The home team then outscored the Gusties 14-8 in the third quarter, taking a 43-22 advantage into the final frame. The Black and Gold put together a solid comeback effort as Ethan Sindelir (So., Wells) caught two touchdowns to bring the Gusties within a possession, but the Tommies were able to re-extend their lead and finish out the game with two unanswered touchdowns.
Panning had a big receiving day for the Gusties with 10 catches for 169 yards and a score. Veldman completed 29-of-45 passes for 356 yards and four scores. The Gustie offense was forced into a one dimensional team with -5 rushing yards. Tommie senior running back Josh Parks proved to be too much for the Gusties as he totaled 246 yards and scored five times.
The Gustie defense was led by Kaleb Scott (Jr., Gardena, Calif.) and Austin Fest with eight tackles apiece.
Gustavus wraps up its season at home next Saturday against St. Olaf.