ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University head football coach Steve Johnson earned career win No. 200 Saturday thanks to a 32-17 home victory over Gustavus Adolphus College. The Royals (3-4, 3-2 MIAC) exploded out of the gates and built a 32-3 lead at the half and despite 14 unanswered points by the Gusties (3-3, 1-3 MIAC) in the final 30 minutes, BU coasted to a 15-point triumph.

Johnson became the 78th coach among all divisions (12th active) to reach the 200-win plateau, but the 33rd to do it all at one school and the 10th to do it all in Division III. In his 28th season at BU, Johnson ranks No. 3 among active NCAA Division III coaches in career wins. Perhaps what's most interesting about Johnson's 28 years at Bethel is the tenure of his staff. BU's coaching staff is collectively made up of 141 years with the Royals, including 63 years on defense and 51 on offense. Offensive Coordinator Greg Peterson is in his 25th season as an assistant at Bethel, while defensive coaches Jimmy Miller and Mike Fregeau have both coached over 15 years at BU. Ironically, the head coach for Saturday's opponent—Peter Haugen—was one of Coach Johnson's' first All-MIAC players in 1990 and a member of Johnson's coaching staff in 1992. [FULL LIST]
 
Bethel scored a touchdown on five of their first six possessions of the game. BU took the opening kick and scored on a 13-play, 75-yard drive that lasted 4:50. The Royals converted on three third downs during that drive, including a 3rd-and-13. Freshman QB Jake Marsh ran the touchdown in himself to make the score 6-0.
 
 
BU then forced the Gusties into a 3-and-out before going six plays and 77 yards in the ensuing possession. Marsh scored with his feet again, but this time from 58 yards out on a quarterback option that went for six more points.
 
Brady Bomsta then helped the Royals put 13 more points on the board by running in a pair of second-quarter touchdowns for BU which made the score 25-3 with 6:31 left in the opening half.
 
Following Bomsta's second TD of the day, it was Steven Plocker that strip-sacked GAC quarterback Sam Archer on 4th-and-9. BU's first pass from scrimmage was deflected and intercepted, but Dawson Brown intercepted Gustavus on the very next play to put the Royals back at 1st-and-10 from the Gustie 20-yard-line. Despite three consecutive plays with turnovers, Bethel was unfazed, and the Royals used the very next play to score their final touchdown of the day on a 20-yard strike from Marsh to Bryce Marquardt.
 
 
BU's defense was dominant throughout the entire 60 minutes of play. Not only did the Royals hold Gustavus under 300 yards of total offense for the day, but they posted two goal line stands as well. In addition to Brown's interception, Brett Norling also recorded an interception and the team collectively finished with nine pass breakups.
 
Dawson Brown led the team with 13 tackles, one interception, and two breakups, while Josh Dalki and Andrew Ragsdale also finished with double-digit tackles. Dalki wrapped up 11 tackles, including one sack for a loss of five yards, while Ragsdale collected 10 tackles and one breakup. Cameron Monson registerd his first sack since week one, while Justice Chaffe earned his second tackle for loss this season.
 
Bethel's offense generated 386 yards of total offense, which included 172 on the ground and 192 through the air. Penalties inhibited BU from generating more points and more yards, as two touchdowns for the Royals were called back in the second half.
 
Jake Marsh finished his day 16-of-24 for 214 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Marsh connected with six different receivers, including Bryce Marquardt, who hauled in five passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, and Drew Neuville, who caught four for 41.
 
Gunnar Bloom led BU on the ground, netting 67 yards on 16 carries. Bloom's sidekick Brady Bomsta rushed nine times for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Marsh added 62 yards on five carries for two touchdowns.
 
Bethel will now enjoy their bye week before they face unbeaten St. Thomas, who is ranked No. 4 in the latest D3football.com Top 25 poll, in Arden Hills on Saturday, October 29.