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With their defense backed up to their own two yard line while clinging to a precious lead, the Pipers kept the Carleton Knights out of the endzone three plays in a row. In a game that featured three safeties, opportunistic defenses, and big play offenses, it came down to an exciting, final minute goal line stand, which sealed Hamline’s 16-11 victory on Oct. 14 in Northfield, Minnesota.

“This was a huge win. Our guys have been looking for years for a breakthrough win, and time will tell if this was that one. But it was definitely one that we needed,” said Defensive Coordinator Chad Rogosheske. “Nothing against the programs, but we probably expected to beat Mayville [State] and Macalester, and in this case Carleton had beaten us the last three years in a row.”

Up to this point in the season, the Pipers have had difficulty winning the tough games while making easy work of lesser opponents. The feeling among the players and coaches has been that the team is capable of performing better than their record illustrates. A key matchup with MIAC foe Carleton provided for a great opportunity to hit midseason with a newfound sense of self-assurance. Going into the game, a major point of emphasis would be to try and establish an identity on offense, especially at the quarterback position.
In the first half of the contest, Hamline used multiple quarterbacks in a rotation on different series.

“We were trying to figure out who was the best guy to lead the team. We tried to get some other kids a chance to see what they can do,” said Offensive Coordinator Derek Branch.

Sophomore James Leary led the Pipers on their first offensive series. Later in the first half they moved to quarterbacks Chad Schmigel, Leo Pete, and Cohlman Rutsch. Ultimately the Pipers shifted back to Leary, their most consistent performer.

“Leary just came out ahead. It could have been play-calling or field position, but in the end he just made the most plays and that is the guy we went with,” said Branch.

Offensively the game had a bizarre beginning. Carleton struck first at the end of the first quarter with a safety after the Pipers recovered their own fumble in the end zone. Within a handful of minutes, though, Hamline tied it up after free safety Robert Thompson tackled Carleton quarterback Darren Caspers in the endzone.

The 2-2 baseball-resembling score remained until Carleton scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass to Matt Frank to take the lead 9-2. Fortunately the Knights were unable reach the endzone again. With time running out, Hamline put together a quick six play, 79-yard drive. A key Leary rollout and pass to junior Andrew Seymour setup a Ben Dahmes' one-yard touchdown run with 11 seconds in the half to tie the score 9-9.

“To be honest the big plays were huge. We had very good players making very good plays. It was a classic case of everyone doing their job. It wasn’t just the wideouts that played well, the line gave them time,” said Branch.

Hamline took the lead 16-9 in the third quarter when Seymour made a great catch for a 12-yard touchdown pass. On that scoring drive, Leary completed all four of his passes, ending the game 19-25 for 175 yards.

Stuck in their own territory and holding on to a slight lead, the Pipers were forced to punt midway through the fourth quarter. The ensuing play would, at the very least, complicate Hamline’s ability to hold out for a victory. Hamline snapped the ball out of the back of the endzone for the game’s third safety. This cut the lead to five points. In addition, the Knights returned the safety kick past midfield. Roughly 50 yards separated Carleton from victory.

Their work had been cut out for them, though. Through much of the third quarter, an aggressive Pipers defense had physically dominated the Knights. Much of Hamline’s defensive success could be attributed to a combination of stout pass coverage, intense physical play, and a hostile pass rush.

“It is always a little easier to rush the passer when you know the quarterback is going to be in the pocket. Our guys took advantage of the opportunities,” said Rogosheske.

Despite being outgained offensively, the Pipers forced four turnovers. Nonetheless, the outcome of the game would boil down to the last series. A questionable pass interference penalty against Hamline brought Carleton to the two-yard line with just over thirty-seconds left. The Knights rushed to the line and spiked the ball to stop the clock. The Knights focused their final three plays on what they must of considered a good matchup: wide receiver Matt Frank against Hamline defensive back Adam Hespen. Yet, three plays in a row Hamline made the stop.

“Hespen did an excellent job. He played the fade early, very well. We got a batted ball on the slant play, but he was in good position. We had practiced actually during the week against eh option pitch pass, and he bit initially but recognized it in time to get back into coverage. He played a great series of downs there,” said Rogosheske.

When the clock finally ran out the Carleton crowd was in virtual shock. They were two yards away from taking down the Pipers for the fourth consecutive year, but Hamline’s defense proved too stingy. With a victory in Northfield, Hamline got its first MIAC win in 2006.

After the game, Coach Miller talked to the value of winning a close game. It helps down the road, he said, when players have been in tight situations like the Hamline/Carleton finale. He also spoke to the triumph of the competitive spirit in a hard-fought game.

“It is always a lot more fun to play in competitive games. I think that most of the guys to a man would say that had more fun in this game than against Mayville State and Macalester and that they came away with a greater sense of satisfaction,” said coach Miller.

Up next, the Pipers face the vaunted St. John's Johnnies. The Johnnies, a national D-III powerhouse, will provide Hamline with a significant challenge. Even so, it is one the players and coaches welcome with open arms.

“This is always an easy game to get up for, because the kids know how good they [St. John’s] are. We’ll play hard. I think it is always exciting to play the third ranked team in the nation. You go in with nothing to lose and you do your best,” said Rogosheske.

“The players and coaches talk about coming out and bringing this program back to where it can be. It’s kind of the idea of beating on a rock, and every day you try to come out and take a swing at that rock. That was a pretty good crack we put on it on Saturday,” said coach Miller.