ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — For the second time in as many games, the Gustavus football team dropped a last minute decision – this time to Bethel – as the Royals defeated the Gusties 37-28, scoring two touchdowns in the final 19 seconds of play. The Gusties drop to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play, while Bethel improves to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the MIAC.
The Gusties started off strong, forcing a Bethel punt in the game's first possession, and returning with a seven-play 91-yard drive to take an early lead. The drive was highlighted by a 61-yard connection between quarterback
George Sandven and
Jake Breitbach, the NCAA's leading receiver. Three plays later, Sandven ran in a two-yard score and
Andrew Abegglen's extra point was good, giving the Gusties a 7-0 advantage.
In the ensuing possession,
Carson DeKam made his first interception of the season, stopping the Royal drive after just four plays.
River Wood ran in a three-yard touchdown for the Gusties, but was called back after a hold on the play. Gustavus settled for a field goal, but the snap was fumbled and recovered by the Royals at their 35.
The Gusties forced a three and out on the next Royal possession, and blocked the punt, but struggled to get the ball down the field. Gustavus went 13 yards in six plays to attempt a 32-yard field goal, but it was no good. The Royals proceeded to put together a 12-play 80-yard drive, scoring on a 31-yard run to even the score at 7-7. Bethel took advantage of two more Gustie turnovers, adding another score to make it 14-7 at the half.
The two teams played stout defense in the third quarter, as a 38-yard field goal from the Royals was the only scoring play. The fourth quarter had a different script, with the final four drives of the game resulting in touchdowns.
The Gusties made a 14-play 96-yard drive to open the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to three with a one-yard scoring run from
Walker Britz. The Gustavus defense forced the Royals to punt in their next possession to give the Gusties the ball back at their own 43.
Sandven made quick work of his next drive, finding Breitbach for a diving grab to set up a 40-yard touchdown play to
Matthew Carreon. The Gusties went 57 yards in three plays for their first lead of the game, 20-17.
The Royals responded with a big play of their own, scoring on a fourth down 34-yard pass to regain the lead. Carreon was the Gustie hero once more in the next possession, tallying his second touchdown of the day – a 38-yard reception – to put Gustavus ahead with 1:12 remaining.
The Royals began to march down the field in the final minute of play, and back-to-back costly penalties by the Gusties inched them closer to the end zone. Bethel quarterback George Bolt sealed the deal for the home team with a fourth down 24-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds remaining. A last-ditch effort by the Gusties resulted in an end zone fumble, recovered by the Royals for the 37-28 final.
The Royals edged the Gusties 398-393 in total yards and won the time of possession battle 35:54-24:06. Gustavus was penalized six times for 62 yards.
Sandven completed 24-of-35 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns. Carreon was the top target with seven catches for 154 yards, followed by Breitbach with nine for 86.
Rohee Konde led the rushing attack with six carries for 39 yards, followed by Britz who totaled 32 yards and a touchdown on six attempts.
DeKam and
Max Olson led the defensive effort with eight tackles apiece. DeKam added an interception, while Olson posted the game's only sack.
Gustavus heads north to Duluth next weekend, facing St. Scholastica at 1 p.m.
