Box Score  | Game Highlights
 
NORTHFIELD, Minn. – It was déjà vu for the Royals in Northfield Saturday, as St. Olaf composed a game-winning drive for the second consecutive year to defeat Bethel 24-17. A 30-yard pass from Ole quarterback Dan Dobson to a well-defended Jake Schmiesing was brought down with 3:22 remaining in the game to give St. Olaf the 24-17 advantage and BU was never able to respond. With the loss, the Royals (7-2, 5-2 MIAC) are in a three-way tie with the Oles (7-2, 5-2 MIAC) and Concordia (7-2, 5-2 MIAC) for second place in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
 
St. Olaf tallied the game's first points with a seven-yard scoring reception by Schmiesing at the 3:39 mark in the first quarter. Seth Mathis (Jr., Anoka, Minn.) sparked the Royals on the Ole's next offensive drive, when he intercepted a Dobson pass—his fourth interception of the year—and took it 44 yards for a BU score. Bethel was able to keep St. Olaf off the board the rest of the half and managed its first converted field goal attempt of the season when Nathaniel Van Loon (Fr., Faribault, Minn.) split the goal posts from 22 yards out. Van Loon's kick gave BU a 10-7 lead going into the half.
 
The Royals maintained a strong defensive effort throughout entire game, but Dobson created another scoring opportunity for St. Olaf at 6:35 in the third quarter, when connecting with Derek Henie for a five-yard touchdown.
 
St. Olaf held onto the 14-10 lead going into the fourth quarter until Bethel scored its first offensive touchdown with 11:40 on the clock. Facing a fourth-and-four sophomore quarterback Erik Peterson (Orono, Minn.) connected with Jesse Phenow (Jr., Richfield, Minn.), who rumbled 32 yards to a BU score—giving the lead back to the Royals, 17-14.
 
The Ole's managed a field goal on the ensuing drive to even the score at 17-17 with 4:32 left in the game, however, a costly fumble on the following kickoff return gave the ball back to St. Olaf and allowed Dobson & Co. to stun the Royals for the second-straight year.
 
The Oles faced a 3rd-and-7 from the Bethel 30-yard-line and despite being flushed out of the pocket Dobson was able to heave a pass towards the end zone. A scuffle between receiver and defensive backs resulted in a Schmiesing catch, which put St. Olaf ahead for good.
 
Bethel's offensive attack was severely minimized in the MIAC affair, as the Royals posted eight first downs and 38 rushing yards. BU won the turnover battle, however, which included Mathis's 44-yard interception returned for a touchdown. Saturday's “pick-six” was the second 40-plus yard interception for a score, as J.D. Mehlhorn (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) took a 40-yard pick-off back against Buena Vista University earlier this year.
 
Defensively, Erik Smith (Sr., Henning, Minn.) led all tacklers with 16 tackles, including one half sack for a six-yard loss. Mathis also added 14 tackles to Saturday's resume, along with one pass break up. Senior nose guard Gavin Maurer (Morgan, Minn.) also recorded an interception against St. Olaf.
 
Erik Peterson completed 14-of-27 passes on the day, with six receptions and 40 yards coming at the hands of Mitch Hallstrom (Jr., Eden Prairie, Minn.). Jay Hilbrands (Sr., Clara City, Minn.) also caught three passes for 25 yards.
 
With three teams tied for second place, next Saturday could still play a significant role at a postseason appearance. Bethel will attempt to finish its season 8-2 overall and 6-2 in the MIAC while hosting its final home game against Saint John's University.