BOX SCORE

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - There are multiple key moments in each football game. Plays that determine a team's toughness, their will, their desire. Coaches, fans and player wonder: will we stand up to the challenge? Today, the Bethel Royals answered yes, emphatically. Causing three second-half turnovers near or in their own red-zone, the Royals defensive shut out the St. Olaf offense, winning today's game, 15-7.

The Bethel offense got rolling right away, coming up with three first downs on the first drive, but settled for a 22-yard field-goal by Matt Wetherell (So., Glen Ellyn, Ill.). After a fourth down stand by the Bethel defense, the Royal offense marched 58 yards for a touchdown at 14:16 in the second quarter, ending the drive when Dustin Wahl (Sr., Mahtomedi, Minn.) punched it in from 11 yards out. The score put Bethel up 9-0 after a missed extra point and the score would remain there through halftime.

The first drive of the second half was unsuccessful for the Royals, ending on a fourth down fumble that the Oles recovered. However, the defense made another stand, barely allowing St. Olaf to get past mid-field before forcing a punt. After a three-and-out, the Bethel defense was forced to make their first red-zone stop of the day. After allowing St. Olaf to drive down to the six-yard-line, the Royals caused two incomplete passes, leading to an Ole field-goal attempt. Nathan Voronyak (Sr., Orono, Minn.) shot through the line and blocked the kick, giving Bethel the ball back and preserving the shut out.

The play gave back momentum to Bethel and on the second play of the drive, Josh Aakre (So., Dawson, Minn. ) found Joel Quick (Sr., Johnston, Iowa) for a 71-yard touchdown strike. Up 15-0 after a blocked extra point, the Royal defense continued to dominate the Ole offense forcing two turnovers in their own territory. Cory Svihla (Jr., Foley, Minn.) intercepted an errant Clay Garrett pass on the first play following the Aakre-Quick touchdown, and David Benjamin (Sr., Roseville, Minn.) forced and recovered a fumble on the Royal 14 yard-line.

The Bethel defense continued to set the tone in the fourth quarter. The Oles were forced to punt on their first possession of the quarter as they went three-and-out, but a fumble at midfield cost the Royals possession on their ensuing drive. Not to be outdone, the Royal defense again stood tall as they forced a turnover on downs on four straight plays. With the Oles threatening to score on their next drive, Tim Cornish (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) intercepted Clay Garrett on the one yard line. Unfortunately, the Oles forced a fumble on the next play, and recovered for a touchdown, closing the gap 15-7. With time winding down and the Oles driving for the tying score, Ross Petterson (Jr., Maple Grove, Minn.) intercepted Clay Garrett at the Royals' three yard line, preserving a 15-7 Royal victory.

Statistically for the Royals, Logan Flannery (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) was held under 100 yards for the first time in five games as he finished with 90 yards on 27 carries and Wahl finished with 22 yards on seven carries and one touchdown. Aakre completed 7 of 15 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown, and also picked up 34 yards on the ground. Quick turned in another impressive day, racking up 85 yards on  three catches and a touchdown.

Defensively the Royals were led by Petterson, who had 10 tackles and the game-saving interception. Svihla finished with nine tackles, a sack, and an interception as well.

The Royals move to 3-1 in MIAC play and 4-2 overall, while St. Olaf drops to 1-3 in the MIAC and 3-3 overall. The Royals return home next Saturday as they prepare for a 1 p.m. game against the visiting Hamline Pipers.