ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Bethel University's 2017 homecoming football game was a celebratory event for many reasons. Among the numerous reasons to celebrate was BU's 49-0 shutout over Carleton College and the 10-year anniversary of the 2007 team that was crowned NCAA West Region Champions.
 
The Royals (2-4, 2-2 MIAC) recorded over 650 yards of total offense and limited the Knights (0-6, 0-4 MIAC) to just 166. Included in BU's offensive explosion was a 437-yard passing performance by Bethel's quarterbacks and 222 yards on the ground. BU also logged 25 first downs, opposed to Carleton who mustered 13.
 
Sophomore quarterback Jake Marsh was electric—completing 22-of-25 passes for 320 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Joey Lee came in later and finished 3-for-3 for 110 yards and Zack Spady continued the momentum—going 1-for-1. 
 
Together the three quarterbacks targeted nine different receivers. Bryce Marquardt led the way with nine catches for 174 yards and one touchdown, including a 66-yard over-the-shoulder reception. John Carlson hauled in two passes, including an exciting 98-yard catch and sprint to the goal line late in the game. Joel Koenecke caught four passes for 47 yards and Drew Larsen netted two receptions for 37 yards and a score.
 
Bethel's running backs collectively averaged 5.2 yards per carry throughout the game. Rookie ball handlers Sam Gibas and Gideon Erhabor led the way, as the 1-2 punch had a combined 26 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Riley McCann also tallied eight carries for 41 yards and Hayden Foote scored his first career touchdown on his third career carry.
   
Josh Dalki led Bethel's defensive unit with eight total tackles, while Zach Eenhuis, Dawson Brown, and Kyle Peach each finished with six. Brown along with Trey Anderson and Cale Ferrin each manufactured an interception and a total of six players logged a pass breakup. Trent Substad had Bethel's only sack of the day, wrapping up the Knights' QB 14 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
 
Sophomore kicker Blake Hottle was a perfect 7-for-7 on PAT attempts and totaled 469 yards and three touchbacks over the course of eight kickoffs.
 
Fans in attendance celebrated the 2007 football team that was crowned NCAA West Region champions at the halftime intermission. Over 20 players from that squad—the first in Bethel's history to win a NCAA region championship—were honored by Director of Athletics Bob Bjorklund and those watching from the stands.
 
Bethel's season continues next Saturday when they travel to St. Peter for a sizeable showdown with Gustavus Adolphus College. The Royals and Gusties (3-2, 2-1 MIAC) are scheduled to kickoff at 1 p.m.