SAINT PETER, Minn. - Gustavus football suffered a 43-0 drubbing at the hands of Bethel on Saturday at Hollingsworth Field. The Gusties drop to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the MIAC, while the defending MIAC champion Royals improve to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the league.
On their second drive of the game, the Royals scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown, capping an eight-play, 27-yard drive with a one-yard run. The drive was set up with the first of three interceptions by the Royal defense.
Bethel added another touchdown run late in the first quarter for a 14-0 lead. The visitors then went up 22-0 following a 54-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion. And a two-yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter gave the Royals a 29-0 lead, which stood as the halftime score.
The third quarter went scoreless before the Royals added a touchdown pass and run in the fourth quarter to complete the 43-0 shutout.
Bethel dominated the time of possession 34:33-25:27 and out-gained the Gusties 399-67 in total yards. The Royals had 85 offensive plays compared to 47 by Gustavus. The Royal run defense, ranked No. 1 in Division III, held the Gusties to -22 yards on the ground.
George Sandven completed 11-of-20 passes for 89 yards and three interceptions. He was sacked seven times.
River Wood was the top rushing and receiving target with eight carries for 15 yards and four catches for 16 yards.
Cale Morton had the longest play of the game for the Gusties with a 47-yard reception.
Carson DeKam and
Jack Klug led the defensive effort with 17 tackle each.
William Hawkins and
Landen Goebel each had an interception.
Gustavus will look to regroup next Saturday against St. Scholastica on Homecoming.
