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Carleton Football

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. -- Royal Stadium will be electric on Saturday as the #5 Bethel Royals return home for week three to open conference play against the Carleton Knights. The Knights enter this weekends contest with an overall record of 0-1. Carleton lost their 2011 opener by a final of 13-16 to Carthage College. Meanwhile the Royals are off to a red-hot start, playing with the power and prowess that one would expect of a national caliber squad. The Royals enter the third week of play sporting an overall record of 2-0 having convincingly defeated both Simpson College and Concordia Wisconsin.

Quarterback Josh Aakre (Sr., Dawson, Minn.) continues to be a key player to watch as he guides the Royals on the offensive side of the ball. Aakre leads the MIAC in passing efficiency, completing over 70% of his passes. The senior is also averaging 9.3 yards per rush, and has found the end zone four times rushing the ball this season. In the backfield; Brandon Marquardt (Fr., Champlin, Minn.) and Jesse Phenow (So., Richfield, Minn.) continue wear down opposing defenses. Between Marquardt and Phenow the duo have run for 378 yards and 6 touchdowns in the first two games. Entering week three the Royals rank as having the fourth best rushing offense in the nation. For the passing game Jay Hilbrands (So., Clara City, Minn.) continues to be a big target for Aakre. Hilbrands is in the top 10 in the MIAC in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and receptions. The Bethel defense currently sits as the nations fourth best squad in total defense, only allowing their first two opponents to accumulate 119 yards of offense.

The Royals have won three of the last four games against the Knights and are 16-6 with Coach Johnson at the helm.

“The fans can expect us to play physical and fast, our goal is always the same, to be undefeated” said Royals Head Coach Steve Johnson. Not only are the Royals looking to go undefeated in conference play but also at home as well. In 2010 the Royals went 5-0 on home turf. Bethel has not lost a home game in nearly two years. Kickoff for Saturday's game is slated for a 1 p.m. start.