Box Score

MINNEAPOLIS - Bethel College won their first ever MIAC in a come from behind shootout over the University of St. Thomas Friday night at the H.H.H. Metrodome.

St. Thomas jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Nick Ambrasas to Justin Hall and a 4-yard Phil Remes run.

Bethel scored three straight touchdowns to take a 21-14 lead with 4:12 remaining in the second quarter before Remes scored on another 4-yard run to tie the score going into halftime.

With St. Thomas ahead 31-28 with 1:30 left in the third quarter, Bethel proceeded to score three straight touchdowns to blow the game open and seal their conference championship.

Leading the Royals on offense was sophomore quarterback Scott Kirchoff (Hutchinson, MN) who completed 16 of 30 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. After throwing for 96 yards in the first half, he was 10 for 13 for 190 yards and three touchdowns in the last two quarters. Senior receiver Deon Jordan caught five passes for 75 yards and one touchdown. Junior Jordy Hage (Shoreview, MN) caught three passes for 45 yards.

Senior running back Josh Savageau (Blaine, MN) led Bethel's rushing attack with a season high 108 yards on 14 carries, including a 58 yard touchdown.

Bethel's defense, who is leading the nation in turnover ratio, intercepted two passes. Junior Nate Klint (Arden Hills, MN) intercepted a fourth-quarter Ambrasas pass and lateraled to senior Ben Matthews (Milaca, MN), who returned it 25 yards for Bethel's final touchdown.

Jake Barkley, the MIAC's leading rusher, rushed for 77 yards in the first half, yet Bethel's defense held him to just 27 in the second half as he finished with a 104 yards.

Bethel is 9-0 on the season and 8-0 in the MIAC. They play at Augsburg next Saturday.

St. Thomas is now 5-4 overall and 5-3 in the MIAC. The Tommies host Hamline next Saturday.