Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - In a battle of unbeaten teams, Bethel, the 18th ranked team in the nation, survived five turnovers and 13 penalties in defeating the nation's 6th ranked team, St. John's University 43-36. St. John's had the MIAC's top rated scoring defense coming into the game, having given up just 36 points in their six conference games. The Johnnies jumped to a 10-0 first quarter lead behind a 32-yard field goal by Joe Rotundi and a 42-yard scoring pass from senior Tom Linnemann (Melrose, MN) to sophomore Blake Elliot (Melrose, MN).

Bethel answered with a 68-yard drive as senior Brett Brodeen plunged in from a yard out to get within 10-7.

Both teams' offenses played well in the first half, as Bethel gained 262 yards and St. John's had 239 yards as the Royals went in with a 27-23 halftime lead.

Linnemann, rated among the leaders in the nation in passing efficiency, came into the game having thrown just three interceptions on the season. Bethel's defense, the top ranked team in the nation in turnover ratio, forced five turnovers, intercepting Linnemann five times. Linnemann still completed 25 of 46 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns.

Sophomore quarterback, Scott Kirchoff (Hutchinson, MN), led the Royals with 343 yards passing as he completed 29 of 49 passes and one touchdown. Senior receiver Deon Jordan (Long Beach, CA) caught a season high 13 passes for 151 yards. Jordy Hage (Shoreview, MN) caught six passes for 61 yards and a 31-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore fullback Mike Johnson (Pine City, MN) led the Royals in rushing with 97 yards on 18 attempts. He also caught four passes for 37 yards.

Defensively, junior Hans Bengtson (Northfield, MN) led Bethel with a team high nine tackles and three interceptions. His final interception came on the three-yard line as the Johnnies were looking to score a game tying touchdown on the last play of the game. Junior defensive end Rick Meyer (Dodge Center, MN) contributed eight tackles and 2.5 sacks. Senior cornerback Ben Matthews (Milaca, MN), the NCAA leader in interceptions, added to his season total as he picked off his 13th of the year, including his MIAC record breaking 11th in conference play.

Junior strong safety Nate Klint (Arden Hills, MN) returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, an 85-yarder in the first half to get Bethel to within 17-14 and an 84-yard touchdown to open the second half. On the day, he returned four kicks for 212 yards.

Bethel is now 8-0 on the season, 7-0 in the MIAC and play St. Thomas Friday night in the Metrodome at 8:00 p.m.
St. John's plays Carleton in the Metrodome on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.