Royals Shutout Gustavus Improve to 6-0
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The Bethel Royals
football team kept the momentum rolling today, remaining undefeated
on the season, and improving their record to 6-0. The Royals were
able to shut down Gustavus winning today's matchup 20-0 in front of
a large crowd of more than 4,500. With a great crowd and perfect
weather on their sides the Royals did not disappoint.
Today's victory was also a milestone for Head Coach Steve Johnson
who reached career win 150. Johnson has shaped the character of
this team over the past 22 years, and though that has been
reflected by winning on the field, it is just as much about winning
off the field. Johnson is very quick to acknowledge that the
winning is a reflection of the quality of staff and athletes that
he has been surrounded by and that it has been a team effort.
The Royals were able to completely shut down the Gustavus offense
holding them to only 97 yards of total offense. The Gusties were
able to accumulate 103 yards through the air, but on the ground the
Royals put them in the hole rushing for -6 yards.
The Royals defense was able to keep producing big play after big
play today coming up with 3 interceptions and 6 sacks. As a unit
the Royals got key contributions from a wide variety of players.
Leading the team in tackles was Billy
Morgan (Jr., Rosemount, Minn.) who had 7.5 tackles.
Brenden Flahrety (Sr., Shoreview, Minn.), Cory
Svihla (Sr., Foley, Minn.), and David
Vavra (Jr., Cambridge, Minn.) each grabbed an
interception. While Jason
Hofmeyer (Jr., Hospers, IA.), Trent
Pearson (Sr. Shakopee, Minn.), Svihla, Brent Skoog
(So., Long Lake, Minn.), Peter
Sontag (Sr., Altoona, Wis.), and Andrew
Johnson (Sr., Maple Grove, Minn.) each got to the
quarterback for a sack.
The Royals offense put up points 3 times while in the red
zone. Josh
Aakre (Jr., Dawson, Minn.) ran it in from 4 yards
out while, Jesse
Phenow (Fr., Richfield, Minn.), and Logan
Flannery (Sr.,Lakeville, Minn.) each scored on
rushing plays from the 5 and 3 yards lines respectively.
With today's victory the Royals take the next step towards
potential post-season play. They will face a true test next week
from #4 St. Thomas who defeated Hamline today 61-17.
