Football drops first game of the season

Wetzell was 10 of 19 passing for 185 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the contest. He also rushed seven times for 31 yards.

Hamline (2-1, 1-1 in the MIAC) started the game chewing up 7:21 off the clock, going 46 yards in 17 plays before missing a 41-yard field goal.

Bethel (2-2, 1-1) took the lead on the ensuing possession when Wetzell hit Kyle Lee for a 34-yard touchdown pass with 5:46 left in the first quarter. The play capped a 76-yard drive that took up 1:44.

The Pipers went into the break down 13-0 after junior running back Phil Porta scored from 7 yards out on the first play of the second quarter.

Bethel would score on their first two possessions of the second half. Wetzell threw his second touchdown pass of the game - a 13-yard strike to John Croyle.  He added a 2-yard scoring run with 5:42 left in the third quarter for the game's final tally.

The Hamline offense was held to 161 yards in the game. Sophomore quarterback Andrew Seymour was 11 of 18 passing for 77 yards and one interception. First-year signal caller James Leary was 7 of 12 passing for 55 yards and an interception.

Piper sophomore Brandon Johnson caught seven passes for 43 yards.

Bethel gained 423 yards of offense, including 221 yards on the ground. Royal Ross Muellenberg ran for 123 yards in 19 carries.

Croyle added five receptions for 73 yards while Lee caught two passes for 70 yards.

The Hamline defense continued to force turnovers, totaling four in the game. Strong safety Tyler Schultz and linebacker Paul Klees each added an interception for the Pipers. The defense also recovered two fumbles.

The Pipers will travel to Collegeville, Minn. to take on St. John's next Saturday.  Kick off is set for 1:00 p.m.