ST. PETER, Minn. — Bethel University's football team didn't let the weather rain on their parade Saturday when defeating Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter 24-3. The Royals (3-4, 3-2 MIAC) utilized a complete team effort to take down the Golden Gusties (3-3, 2-2 MIAC) on a wet and dreary day at Hollingsworth Field.
 
BU's offense generated 17 points and special teams seven on a 92-yard kickoff return, while the defense limited GAC to just a field goal.
 
Gustavus finished just 6-of-19 on third down conversions (.316) and Bethel's defense recorded six sacks for a loss of 39 yards and 12 total tackles for a loss of 57 yards. In addition, BU's offense went 3-for-3 inside the red zone and Blake Hottle ended 3-for-3 in PAT attempts and 1-for-1 on field goal tries.
 
The Royals scored first when Hayden Foote scored on a one-yard dive with 3:34 remaining in the opening quarter. Foote's touchdown completed a 13-play, 70-yard possession that was highlighted by 33 yards rushing on four carries by Sam Gibas.
 
Gustavus came right back with a 16-play, 69-yard scoring drive that resulted in a 29-yard field goal. But before GAC could bolster any momentum, Joel Koenecke took the very next kickoff to the house on a 92-yard return.
 
After holding the Gusties to a 3-and-out, Bethel scored again on their next possession to go up 21-3 with 3:05 remaining in the first half. A 38-yard pass and catch from Jake Marsh to Jon Pytlak on the first play from scrimmage propelled BU to a 10-play, 73-yard scoring drive that resulted in another touchdown by Hayden Foote.
 
The Royals put three insurance points on the board in the second half when Hottle converted a field goal attempt from 36 yards out and BU's defense held Gustavus scoreless for the final 39:59 to secure the road victory.
 
Zach Eenhuis led Bethel with 15 tackles—six solo and nine assisted—and Kyle Kilgore went off for 12 tackles—nine solo—which included five tackles for a loss of 24 yards and two sacks for a loss of 13 yards. Josh Dalki posted eight tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks, and Godfrey Mpetey wrapped up eight tackles, which included two tackles for loss and one sack.
 
Jake Marsh completed 9-of-16 passes for 134 yards, zero interceptions, and zero touchdowns. Marsh connected with four different receivers, including Joel Koenecke who caught five passes for 79 yards, in addition to his 92-yard return. Jon Pytlak hauled in two passes for 51 yards. Sam Gibas tallied 19 carries for 67 yards, while Hayden Foote rushed nine times for 34 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Bethel will enjoy a much-needed bye week next week before preparing for a road test against No. 6-ranked St. Thomas in St. Paul on October 28. The Royals then closeout the season with two home matchups against Augsburg and Hamline on November 4 and 11.