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October 11, 2005
Football takes their lumps from Concorida, St. Johns and Bethel
Pipers fail to capitalize on ten fumbles in dropping homecoming
The schedule makers have not been kind to the Pipers. The Pipers fell 24-7 to the Concordia Cobbers in Saturday’s homecoming game. Concordia is second in the conference, behind St. John University, with a 3-0 MIAC record. Last weekend the Cobbers even blanked a good Gustavus team 30-0.
This week it was Hamline QB Andrew Seymour who felt the pressure for most of the game from Concordia’s stellar rush defense. The Pipers fought hard to move up the field, but fell victim to bad field position and what seemed like an unshakable Concordia, who forced Hamline to punt after third down consistently.
Still, the Pipers defense pulled the team’s way into the game, forcing ten fumbles. Six of these fumbles were in the first half, which kept Concordia off balance; three of them were within the Piper red zone, keeping the game close. Concordia also had scoring hopes dashed as Hamline’s strong defensive team constantly stripped the ball throughout both halves. Hamline’s Tyler Schultz had 11 stops. forced a fumble and recovered two more. The Pipers came into the game leading the MIAC in forced turnovers.
Hamline’s special teams also shined on Saturday, retrieving two punts for massive gains and fantastic
position on the field. Unfortunately, the team was only once able to capitalize on the opportunity and put 7 points on the board. Special teams were also disappointed when the Cobbers blocked Hamline’s first field goal attempt.
In the second half Concordia established their place on the top of the MIAC, putting up two more touchdowns and a field goal. The team seemed undeterred by fumbles and turnovers as they resolutely plodded up the field, alternating between small plays that chipped away at the consistent Hamline defense and stunning passes that ended hopes of a stop.
But the Cobbers didn’t limit themselves to pass and run. Kicker Brian Halverson put Concoria’s last three points on the board and became the team’s all-time leading scotrong offense, nor surpass the unrelenting defense of the Cobbers. Hamline was outgained 447-214, but never seemed out of the game. The fans stayed rabid despite the cold weather, coming out in the likes of body paint and spray-dyed red and silver hair. But the support of the fans didn’t prove to be enough to conjure up a Piper win. Concordia takes home a well earned victory, while Hamline’s players and fans were put down with another heartbreaking homecoming game.
Defending their homecoming, SJU blanks Hamline
The Pipers arrived in Collegeville last weekend like a wounded antelope wandering into a lion’s den.
Carrying a 2-1 record with them, at the time, they faced off against John Gagliardi’s St. John Johnnies. As expected, the Johnnies brought their “A game” and why not, as it was their homecoming weekend. The always well-prepared Johnnies did not feel the pressure at all of the 10,000 fans on hand in Collegeville. They were quite ready to defend an unbeaten record and a streak of winning 18 of their last 20 homecoming games. St. John’s provided a football clinic for the Pipers of Hamline as they cruised to a 44-0 victory. The Johnny offense out gained the Pipers’ 506 to 106 in total offense. SJU passed for 288 yards and ran for 218 more. SJU QB Alex Kofoed wreaks havoc on opposing defenses. Kofoed was 17 of 27 passes, for 195 total yards, had two interceptions, one sack and one touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, SJU senior Damien Dumonceaux led the way with 10 total tackles and two sacks. With this win,
Saint John’s improves to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the MIAC.
Hamline Sophomore QB Andrew Seymour threw for 19 yards and no touchdowns. Despite the loss, the Pipers have a bright spot on the defense. Strong safety Tyler Schultz intercepted two passes on the day.
The senior from Rollingstone, MN leads the conference in interceptions. He totaled five interceptions in four games. Schultz also added 10 tackles (two solo, eight assists). Also, Ryan Laube added 12 tackles (eight solo, four assists).
Royals thump Pipers in first loss
Two Saturdays ago, Hamline football lost their first game of the year. This year’s club was hoping to become the first squad to start a season 3-0. It didn’t happen. The Pipers’ traveled all the way to Arden Hills to face Bethel’s Royals. Bethel manhandled Hamline on the gridiron. Hamline lost 27-0. In the Royal victory, Bethel accumulated a 423 yards of total offense. Bethel’s offense was the story of the game.
Sophomore quarterback Ben Wetzell completed 10 of 19 passes and racked up 185 yards. Hamline was held to a season low 161 total yards and an 29 rushing yards. The Bethel defense hammered Hamline’s feeble offense, and collected two interceptions, two forced fumbles and six sacks in a convincing win for their fans. Before this contest in Arden Hills, the Hamline defense had only given up 5.5 points per game, less than a touchdown per game.
- Compiled by staff reports
Posted by msveum at October 11, 2005 11:44 PM
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