Box Score Box Score



WAVERLY, Iowa—After 11 consecutive regular season victories and a MIAC Championship in 2013, the No. 7-ranked Bethel University football team came into Saturday's contest against the No. 15-ranked Knights of Wartburg College with high expectations. Unfortunately for the Royals, though, untimely penalties and inopportune mistakes dashed the hopes of another 10-0 regular season and Bethel's fifth straight win over Wartburg since 2010.
 
In a rematch of the 2013 NCAA Division III second round playoff game, the Royals looked like they were off to a great start—leading 7-3 at the midway point. The Knights put last year's 24-31 postseason loss one year ago in the rear view mirror, though, outscoring Bethel 28-7 in the second half.
 
BU's defense was dynamic throughout the opening 30 minutes of play, allowing the Knights just a field goal despite their three trips to the red zone and 155 yards of total offense. What was critical to the Royals success, not only in the opening half, but also throughout the game, was winning the turnover battle. The Royals finished the game with a plus-four turnover margin, after intercepting Wartburg quarterback Logan Schrader twice and stripping two fumbles.
 
Reigning MIAC Jim Christopherson MVP, Erik Peterson, helped Bethel go ahead at the half with a 30-yard pass to fellow senior, Brandon Marquardt with 9:24 left in the second quarter. That would be BU's only score of the opening 30 minutes, however, as multiple penalties denied the Royals of positive yardage, numerous first downs, and much-needed momentum on offense.
 
With a 7-3 lead midway through the contest, the Royals had the opportunity to go ahead 14-3 on the opening possession of the third quarter. But a dropped pass at midfield that had the looks six points ended Bethel's drive and any offensive energy for the majority of the game. Wartburg held BU to just 32 yards in the third quarter, which allowed the Knights to go ahead 17-7 with 15 minutes left to play.
 
Wartburg then scored a touchdown in the first 1:11 of the fourth frame to go ahead 24-7 and that was more than enough to secure the victory. Peterson found brother Bryce Marquardt in the back of the end zone on 4th-and-15 from the 22-yard-line—narrowing the Knight's lead to 10. But a 55-yard air strike in Wartburg's very next possession dashed any hope of a Royal comeback and put the hosting Knights ahead for good 31-14.
 
Returning senior Josh Treimer led Bethel's defense with 10 tackles—five solo and five assisted—including one for loss. Landon Mathis recorded seven tackles, including a sack and two total tackles for loss. Daniel Leidall ended Saturday's contest with seven tackles and one interception, while Steven Plocker wrangled down four tackles and intercepted a pass to go alongside a 43-yard return in his first career start. Lee Tenenoff had a critical strip-sack in the first half and Ben Wahlquist coerced a fumble out of Wartburg's Schrader in the second half.
 
Erik Peterson went 18-for-36 in the pocket for 175 yards and two scores, including a 30-yard toss to newcomer Bridgeport Tusler. Tusler finished the game as the leading receiver with 50 yards in the air. Bryce Marquardt amassed five catches for 39 yards, while brother Brandon hauled in two passes for 41 yards. Brandon also led all rushers with 28 yards on 14 carries.
 
The Royals 240 yards of total offense could not go toe-to-toe with Wartburg's 479 total yards. Bethel's defense limited the Knights to 91 yards rushing, but allowed 388 yards through the air. BU finished the game just 2-of-15 on third downs and lost the time of possession battle by exactly four minutes.
 
BU will return home next Saturday to face St. Olaf College in the MIAC and 2014 home opener. Kickoff between the Royals and the Oles is scheduled for 1 p.m.