Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Bethel overcame a quick start by Trinity International of Deerfield, IL to blow open the game in the second half behind three touchdowns by junior receiver Eric Carlson (Wadena, MN). Bethel took a 30-21 lead into the second half, and scored 29 unanswered points. Carlson had eight receptions for 127 yards and three scores on the day. Junior quarterback Joe Persuitti (Shoreview, MN) completed 14 of 29 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Senior receiver Jeremy Belisle (Elk River, MN) caught five passes for 89 yards and also threw a 33 yard touchdown on a reverse for Bethel's first score of the game. Junior running back Josh Savageau (Blaine, MN) ran for 76 yards on 12 carries and scored on a 20 yard touchdown run in the fourt quarter.

Senior linebacker Gary Stone (Conrad, MT) led the Bethel defense and special teams. He contributed four tackles and returned five kicks for 159 yards, including a 63 yard return for a touchdown after a Trinity safety. Junior defensive tackle Ryan Kooy (Willmar, MN) intercepted a pass in the first quarter and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.

After piling up 270 total yards of offense, Trinity was held to 155 yards in the second half. They were led on the ground by quarterback Jason Nelson who ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns, including a 63 yard TD that put the Trojans up 7-0 in the first quarter. Running back Derell Hubbard also ran for over 100 yards, netting 121 yards on 25 carries.