SAINT PETER, Minn. - Seven turnovers in Saturday's season-opener resulted in a 40-7 loss for the Gustavus football team against No. 24 Whitworth. The Gusties committed five interceptions and lost two fumbles as the Pirates out-gained the home squad 393-290 in total offense.
Neither team was successful on their opening drives, but the Pirates struck first with a 27-yard field goal late in the first quarter. After a Gustie interception on the ensuing possession, the Pirates made it down to the Gustie 15, but
Cody Bonk pushed the ball back to the 30-yard line with a sack and the 47-yard field goal attempt was no good. The score remained 3-0 after the first quarter.
Gustavus drove down to the Whitworth 16, but another interception gave the ball back to the visitors, which was returned 63 yards to the Gustie 22. The Pirates settled for a 34-yard field goal and led 6-0 with 10 minutes left in the half. Whitworth upped its lead to 13-0 with a 36-yard touchdown pass and maintained the 13-point advantage at halftime.
After turning the Gusties over on downs to start the third, Whitworth capped a 63-yard drive with a 39-yard touchdown pass for a 20-0 lead. Gustavus ended the shutout late in the third quarter as a George Sandvan pass intended for
Jake Breitbach was deflected high in the air and hauled in by
Jake Pavek in the end zone.
After three frames, the Pirates led 20-7, but the fourth quarter was all Whitworth as it scored 20 unanswered points on two passing touchdowns and a 16-yard fumble recovery for the 40-7 final score.
Sandven finished the game 17-for-34 with 195 yards, a touchdown, and five interceptions. Breitbach was the top target with four catches for 84 yards, including a long of 42.
River Wood was the key running back with 17 carries for 69 yards.
Jack Klug led the defense with nine tackles.
Taylor Stroh was next with eight and
Carson DeKam added seven stops.
The Gusties have their bye next week before traveling to UW-Stevens Point on Sept. 21.
