DULUTH, Minn. – The inaugural meeting between the Gustavus and St. Scholastica football programs proved to be a one-sided affair as the Gusties steamrolled to a 72-7 victory, marking the highest margin of victory in program history. In the process, the Gusties set the school record with 730 total yards. Gustavus improves to 4-1 overall, 2-1 in the MIAC, and 1-0 in the Northwoods Division, while the Saints drop to 0-3 overall, 0-3 in the league, and 0-1 in the division.
“We did a really nice job in all three phases today,” Head Coach Peter Haugen said. “And what was really special is we got a lot of guys an opportunity to play and players got an opportunity to support their teammates.”
The Gusties jumped out to quick 28-0 lead in the first quarter, scoring on their first four offensive drives. The first score was a 16-yard pass from Jake Breitbach (So., Golden Valley) to Ethan Sindelir (Sr., Wells) at the 11:01 mark. The second touchdown came on a six-yard rush by Dalton Thelen (Sr., Cold Spring) just 1:39 later. Thelen scored again at the 4:43 mark on a 22-yard swing pass, making a nice spin move and diving for the pylon to score. David Peal (Sr., Worcester, Mass.) rounded out the first quarter with a 16-yard touchdown run.
The first quarter was the most dominant for the Gusties as they out-gained the Saints 213-33 in total yards.
Five minutes into the second quarter, Breitbach scampered 43 yards up the right sideline and then punched in an eight-yard touchdown run for a 34-0 lead. Ezekiel Sundburg (Sr., Lakewood, Colo.) intercepted a pass on the next Saints possession, eventually setting up a four-yard touchdown run by Peal for a 41-0 lead at 6:15 left in the half. With 2:27 on the clock, Zach Jakes (Sr., North Mankato) lined up as a fullback and caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Breitbach, giving the visitors a 48-0 lead. Gustavus out-gained the Saints 411-80 in total yards in the first 30 minutes.
Breitbach played just one half, finishing his day completing 13-of-15 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed four times for 51 yards and a score.
The third quarter started with an 11-play, 58-yard drive for the Gusties, ending with a 24-yard field goal by Andrew Abegglen (Jr., Mound) for a 51-0 lead. On the first play of the ensuing possession, the Saints completed a 70-yard touchdown pass for their lone score of the game. The Gusties immediately responded as Rohee Konde (So., Hopkins) capped a 91-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run, taking a 58-7 lead. On the next Gustie possession to start the fourth quarter, River Wood (So., St. Petersburg, Fla.) scored his first career touchdown on a nine-yard rush, increasing the lead to 65-7. The final score of the game occurred with 4:40 left on the clock as Major Martin (So., Crane, Texas) rushed 10 yards for his first career touchdown.
“We need to continue to grow as a team and learn, and I think that’s what we’re doing right now,” Haugen said. “And I think we did some things today that in terms of our identity offensively and defensively, that I think are going to be really important. So, proud of the effort, for sure.”
In one of the most impressive rushing performances in Gustavus history, the Gusties ran the ball 60 times for 472 yards. Ten different Gusties carried the ball, led by Konde with 18 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown. Wood was second with eight carries for 72 yards and a score.
Brothers Ethan Hufendick (Jr., Edina) and Brett Hufendick (Sr., Edina) split time at quarterback in the second half. Ethan completed 5-of-6 passes for 27 yards, while Brett completed all four of his passes for 50 yards. Sindelir was the top receiving target with seven catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. Ten different Gusties caught a pass, totaling 258 yards through the air.
Isaac Erickson-Thoemke (Jr., St. Cloud) led the defense with seven tackles. Sundberg had both of the Gustie interceptions on the day, totaling 48 yards on the returns. Not to be overshadowed by the offense, the defense had an impressive day holding the Saints to 189 total yards on 54 plays. Taking out the 70-yard touchdown, the Gusties held the Saints to 119 yards in the other 53 plays.
Gustavus returns home to Hollingsworth Field next Saturday for a 1 p.m. conference matchup with Hamline. The Pipers lost to Bethel today, 49-7.