Box Score Box Score | Game Highlights

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The last time Bethel University's football team lost to an MIAC opponent dates back almost two years now, as the Royals won their 10th consecutive game in loop play with a 40-0 shutout against St. Olaf Saturday. The packed Royal Stadium that was dressed in all white witnessed BU's fifth-straight home-opener victory.
 
Bethel was quickly able to put last week's loss in the rear view mirror by holding the visiting Oles to just 85 yards of offense throughout the game, including 28 yards in the air—12 of which came in the final minute of the game. Meanwhile, the Royals racked up over 500 yards of offense via 316 on the ground and 186 passing.
 
The Royals never punted in their opening nine drives, as the first five of six drives resulted in touchdowns. Junior tailback Marshall Klitzke found the end zone on Bethel's first two drives, one on a one-yard plunge and the other on a 23-yard scamper to make it 12-0 after 7:54 of play.


 
Fellow running back and newcomer Bridgeport Tusler then scored his first six points as a Royal with a catch from quarterback Erik Peterson on 4th-and-Goal from the two-yard-line. Tusler wasn't done either, as he turned a five-yard run into a 28-yard scurry to the end zone to make the score 26-0 in favor of the home team.
 
Brandon Marquardt then finished the half with an exceptional 40-yard over-the-shoulder catch that resulted in a touchdown to end a six-play, 42-yard drive—making the score at the midway point 33-0.
 
That was more than enough for the Royals, but Brandon's brother, Bryce Marquardt, and Erik Peterson added some sugar on top with a 61-yard pass and catch that resulted in a touchdown on Bethel's very beginning drive of the second half. This is the second consecutive week that both Brandon and Bryce have gotten into the end zone for BU. In addition, Bryce's TD was Bethel's last, making the final score stand at 40-0.


 
The Royals defense, which allowed zero points for the first time since last November, when they defeated St. Olaf 47-0, was led by a balanced group. Nobody had more than five total tackles and it was linebacker Landon Mathis and nose guard Will Van Duzer that led the team with five wrap-ups. Kevin Flaherty and Nathan Hultgren each had four, while Josh Treimer had one with three bass break-ups. Daniel Leidall, Jesse Moeckly, and Steven Plocker each had a tackle for loss.
 
Two backs on Bethel's squad finished with over 100 yards rushing. Marshall Klitzke finished the day with 132 and two TD's, averaging 9.4 yards per carry. Brandon Marquardt was just as electric, finishing the day with 113 yards a 6.3 yards per carry average. Bridgeport Tusler went for 55 yards on seven carries.


 
Erik Peterson finished the day 9-for-15 for 151 yards and three scores, along with two interceptions. Peterson targeted seven different receivers with Bryce Marquardt leading the way with three receptions, 73 yards, and a touchdown.
 
Ironically, the Royals last loss to an MIAC opponent was against St. Olaf on November 3, 2012. Every since then, Bethel has gone 2-0 against the Oles by a final total of 87-0 in two games played. BU looks to make it 11 straight conference victories next weekend in Northfield, as they take on Carleton College at Laird Stadium. Opening kick is scheduled for 1 p.m.