ST. PETER, Minn. – With three interceptions, a fumble recovery and nine sacks, the Bethel University football team defense led the way to a 43-0 shutout at Gustavus Adolphus Saturday afternoon at Hollingsworth Field.
 
The Royals (3-1, 1-1 MIAC) allowed 69 yards of total offense and -20 rushing yards as the Gusties (2-2, 1-1 MIAC) were only able to tally five first downs and punted it away nine times.
 
Bethel's offense amassed 399 yards with 180 coming in the air and 219 on the ground. Aaron Ellingson for the second time this season matched a career-high three touchdowns while David Geebli ran it in once. Cooper Drews connected with Micah Niewald and Joey Kidder for the other two scores.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
1st Half
•  After punting on its opening drive, the Royals only needed five plays to get the ball back with Devin Williams notching his first interception of the season. On a ball tipped off a receiver's hands, Williams returned it 55 yards setting the Royals up just outside the red zone.
• Eight plays later Ellingson rushed it in from one yard out putting Bethel up 7-0 with 8:03 left in the first. Ellingson got his second score not much later with a 22-yard scamper caping out a seven-play, 65-yard drive.
• With 10:40 to go in the second Geebli notched the longest run of his career as the offensive line opened a hole for him on the right side to run in it 54 yards for the score. Albert Rundell connected with Joe Kujawa in the endzone for a successful two-point conversion making it 22-0.
• Joey Kidder sent BU into the locker room up 29-0 making a one-handed grab while falling out of bounds in the endzone on a well-placed ball by Cooper Drews.
• BU's defense made a statement in the first 30 minutes forcing five straight punts and holding the Gusties to 41 total offensive yards.
• On Gustavus' final drive of the half Jackson Braun notched the sack fumble while Taylor Glynn dove on it for the recovery.
 
2nd Half
• Turning it over on downs on their second drive of the half the Royals offense was back on the field one play later as Nate Farm picked off the Gusties quarterback on a deep shot.
• Williams notched his second interception on the Gusties next drive picking off a deep shot down the sideline.
• Bethel's two scores came in the fourth quarter as Niewald caught a seven-yard pass on a fourth down play from Drews with 8:09 left in the game.
• Ellingson rushed it in for the third time doing some from one yard out as part of an eight-play, 40-yard drive.
 
TOP PERFORMERS
Offense
• Cooper Drews – 25-of-33, 180 yards, 2 TD
• Aaron Ellingson – 18 rushes, 78 yards, 3 TD
• Micah Niewald – 10 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
 
Defense
• Taylor Glynn – 9 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery
• Caden DeWall – 6 tackles, 3.5 sacks
 
GAME NOTES
• Gustavus Adolphus won the toss and deferred its choice to the second half. Bethel elected to receive.
• Bethel's nine sacks is the most in a game since November 17, 2018 when the Royals had 10 against Wartburg in the opening round of the NCAA Playoffs.
• Saturday's shutout was the first of the season for the Royals and 10th over the last 11 seasons dating back to 2013.
• It's the second time BU has had three interceptions in a game bringing their season total to 10.
 
UP NEXT
Bethel returns to Royal Stadium next Saturday, Oct. 12 hosting Macalester for Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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