ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University celebrated Homecoming on a beautiful fall afternoon, but despite the festive occasion across campus BU's memorable event was spoiled by Saint John's, who forced five turnovers. As a result, the Royals (1-4, 1-2 MIAC) dropped a 42-27 decision at home to the No.10-ranked Johnnies (4-1, 2-1).
 
Bethel executed an excellent scoring drive on the opening possession of the game, going 15 plays and 77 yards over 5:20 to take an early 7-0 lead. But Saint John's responded with a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive that lasted 5:23 and evened the score at 7-7 with 3:37 left in the opening quarter. SJU's defense then forced Bethel into a 3-and-out before composing a seven-play, 61-yard scoring drive that put Saint John's ahead for good 14-7.
 
 
The Johnnies went ahead 21-7 later in the second quarter after recovering a BU fumble at the SJU 31-yard-line and scoring 11 plays later. The Royals had put together a nine-play, 65-yard drive before the sudden stop in momentum. Unfortunately for Bethel the feeling was not quickly forgotten, as they fumbled on the very next drive and Saint John's capitalized with a two-play, 56-yard scoring drive that put SJU ahead 28-7 at the intermission break.
 
The Johnnies added to their number on the opening possession of the second half and before the Royals could respond, SJU intercepted BU for the second time and drove deep into Bethel territory. The Royals got a little jumpstart when Trey Anderson found Bryce Marquardt on a designed QB counter pass that went for a 59-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 35-13. But Saint John's stretched it's margin to 42-13 with a 13-yard TD run from Dusty Krueger and never looked back.

Bethel scored two touchdowns in the final 3:51 thanks to a 10-play, 85-yard drive that resulted in a Gunnar Bloom touchdown from two yards out, a successful onside kick on the ensuing kickoff, and a 29-yard receiving touchdown from Jon Pytlak.
 
Despite the 15-point spread, Bethel outgained the Johnnies in total yards 447-423. The Royals mustered 350 yards passing and 97 yards rushing, opposed to Saint John's, who composed 161 yards on the ground and 262 through the air.
 
Getting his first start under center was freshman quarterback Jake Marsh, who went 19-of-36 for 285 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Trey Anderson also played an assortment of snaps and finished 2-of-3 for 65 yards and one touchdown.
 
Together the two connected with six different receivers, including star wide out Bryce Marquardt and Jon Pytlak. Marquardt continued his dominance, catching seven passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. He's now averaging 138.75 yards per game. Meanwhile, Pytlak finished with four catches for 60 yards and a score.
 
Marsh led all runners, as he ran the ball seven times for a net of 28 yards. Brady Bomsta carried the rock six times for 25 yards and a touchdown, and Gunnar Bloom posted two carries for 13 yards and one TD.
 
Dawson Brown continued his spectacular season as the Royals' defensive leader. The sophomore outside linebacker wrapped up 14 tackles, including a half-sack for a four-yard loss. Josh Dalki and Joey Lee manufactured 11 and 10 tackles, respectively, and both recorded a pass broken up.
 
Now 1-4 overall and 1-2 in MIAC play, Bethel looks to stay the course and get back on track next week in Northfield. The Royals take on Carleton College for a 1 p.m. kickoff at a site to be determined, as Laird Stadium is said to be unplayable due to the heavy rains this fall.