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Football
Week 4 Preview: Bethel Hosts St. Olaf in MIAC Home Opener
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Bethel University hosts St. Olaf College in their conference home opener Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. The Royals (0-3, 0-1 MIAC) and Oles (1-2, 0-1 MIAC) have met 42 times with BU owning a 26-16 advantage in head-to-head matchups, including a 9-2 record over the past 11 seasons.
Bethel toppled St. Olaf one year ago in Northfield by a final score of 44-7. The Royals tallied 37 points in the first three quarters before the teams exchanged touchdowns in the final 15 minutes. BU quarterback Jake Marsh saw his first collegiate action in this game and finished 5-of-6 for 100 yards, while Brady Bomsta tallied 21 carries for 128 yards.
Saturday's contest marks the 300th Bethel football game under the direction of head football coach Steve Johnson. Prior to Johnson's arrival in 1989, BU football amassed a 116-227-6 (.341) record in 349 games under 13 different head coaches. Since Johnson took over Bethel has gone 202-96-1 (.677) with five MIAC championships and eight NCAA appearances. His 202 wins rank him fifth among active NCAA Division III head coaches and his 29 seasons rank ninth.
Bethel and St. Olaf are teaming up to help raise money and awareness in hopes of tackling cancer. There will be opportunities throughout today's game, both in the stands and at the concessions, to donate to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. A donation of $10 is suggested, as the organization is trying to eclipse $300,000 this year.
