Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Bethel did all their scoring in the first half and held on for the win with a defense that intercepted seven passes on the day for a 28-17 win over Gustavus.

Leading the way for the Royals on defense was freshman Brandon Carr (Fergus Falls, Minn.) who recorded three interceptions and had six tackles, and one sack on the day in his first collegiate start. Senior linebacker Matt Wassink (Alton, Iowa) had 10 tackles while linebacker Kirby Carr (Fergus Falls, Minn.) contributed with eight tackles and an interception.

Providing the offense for the Royals was running back Phil Porta (Cambridge, Minn.) who rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown. Porta fell 71 yards short of the all-time single season rushing record during the 2004 season.

Bethel scored the first 14 points on a Kirby Carr 85-yard interception return for a touchdown and a Brett Einerson (Alexandria, Minn.) 25-yard reception from quarterback Ben Wetzell (Wells, Minn.). Gustavus got the board with a 28-yard Jordan Stolp field goal. Porta's 10-yard touchdown run and Chris Evans' (Johnston, Iowa) 5-yard strike bump the score to 28-3 going into halftime.

The Gusties scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, one being a Jamie Germschei 15-yard reception from Stolp and the other a 20-yard catch by Steve Smith with 2:29 remaining in the third quarter. The Royals defense held on in the fourth quarter who some big plays on defense to ensure the win.

Bethel finishes the season with a 6-4 record overall and a 5-3 MIAC record. Gustavus ends the 2004 season with a 2-8 record overall, 2-6 in MIAC play.