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Football
Week 1 Preview: Bethel Hosts Dubuque in Season Opener
ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's football program begins the 2017 season with a rare home game against the University of Dubuque on Saturday, September 2 at 1 p.m. The contest against the Spartans held at Royal Stadium will be BU's first home competition on week one since 2011. Bethel has played on the road twice and started with a bye three other times during that stretch.
Bethel and Dubuque's battle will be a rematch of last season's crazy offensive juggernaut. The two teams shattered numerous records as they collectively amassed 1,473 yards, 178 plays, 123 points, 60 first downs, and 20 kickoffs in the Spartans' 70-53 victory over the Royals. BU led 40-28 with 10:40 remaining in the third quarter, but Dubuque outscored Bethel 42-11 in the final 25 minutes.
The Royals return many starters from one year ago, including five on offense and seven on defense. Among those returning is All-MIAC defensive players
Godfrey Mpetey and
Dawson Brown as well as wide receiver
Bryce Marquardt. Bethel also welcomes back
Jake Marsh under center and senior linebackers
Josh Dalki and
Zach Eenhuis. Several new faces will see a lot of time, including true freshman
Jack Fiedler (guard), sophomores
Levi Duininck (fullback) and
Drew Larsen (wide receiver), and juniors
Cameron Monson (defensive end) and
Trey Anderson (cornerback).
