ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's football team improved to 2-0 on the season with today's 32-27 triumph over UW-River Falls in their second and final nonconference clash of the season. The Royals (2-0) utilized a 20-0 start to overcome the Falcons (1-1) in their 2018 home opener. It was BU's first home-opening win since 2014 and their first win over UW-RF in program history.
 
Bethel's defense forced River Falls into a 3-and-out on their opening possession, which allowed BU's offense to put together a 10-play, 52-yard scoring drive that was highlighted by a nine-yard TD throw from Jaran Roste to Drew Larsen on 3rd-and-7. The defense forced another 3-and-out and the Royals' offense capitalized once again, this time scoring their second touchdown on an 8-play, 76-yard drive that was capped by a three-yard surge by Sam Gibas. The Falcons' third straight 3-and-out led to a 53-yard punt return by Tavian Swanson that set up a one-yard score by Gideon Erhabor.



UW-River Falls managed to score once before the half and again at the 6:51 mark in the third quarter, but Bethel gave itself breathing room when Jake Marsh found Joel Koenecke for an 18-yard touchdown with just under two minutes to go in the third frame. The Falcons scored midway through the fourth quarter to make the score 26-20 and were threatening again, but Drew Ragsdale came up with a clutch interception at the UW-RF 49. That eventually led to a 10-yard touchdown by Sam Gibas. UW-RF managed to score one more time, which put all the pressure back on BU's offense. The Royals' scoring unit delivered with a critical 15-yard run by Gibas on 3rd-and-4 with 50 ticks left on the clock, which iced the victory.

Bethel's offense was very balanced throughout Saturday's matinee. The Royals finished with 253 yards in the air on 20-of-29 passing and 215 yards on the ground on 54 carries. BU's defense limited UW-RF to 324 total yards, which included 89 yards rushing—one week after the Falcons ran for 326 yards.  


  
Jaran Roste went 14-of-19 for 180 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Jake Marsh was asked to come in late in the third quarter and finished 6-of-10 for 73 yards and one TD. Together, the two connected with six different receivers, including Joel Koenecke, who caught six passes for 100 yards and one TD. Drew Larsen hauled in four passes for 43 yards and a score.
 
Sam Gibas had another banner day, carrying the ball 25 times for 154 yards and two touchdowns, while Gideon Erhabor recorded 14 carries for 39 yards and one score.

 
Dawson Brown led Bethel's defense for the second consecutive week with 13 tackles and two pass breakups. Cale Ferrin wrapped up nine tackles, including one for loss, and Drew Ragsdale posted seven tackles and one interception.

The Royals will enjoy a bye week next Saturday before welcoming Gustavus Adolphus College for their conference opener on Saturday, September 22 at 1 p.m.