Schmiesing’s touchdown with 3:22 remaining seals Ole victory
The St. Olaf football team defeated No. 12 Bethel University 24-17 on Nov. 3 at Manitou Field. Wide receiver Jake Schmiesing ’13 had two touchdowns in the victory.
Schmiesing’s first touchdown came with 3:39 remaining in the first quarter. Quarterback Dan Dobson ’13 made a seven-yard pass that connected with Schmiesing in the end zone. The score propelled the Oles to a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Oles started the second quarter on offense, but were forced to react defensively when Bethel linebacker Seth Mathis intercepted Dobson’s pass at the St. Olaf 44-yard line. Rushing past Ole attackers, Mathis returned the 44 yards to score for the Royals. His touchdown – and 14 tackles throughout the game – made for a performance that earned Mathis MIAC Defensive Player of the Week.
At the end of the first half, the Royals led 10-7, helped by kicker Nathanial Van Loon’s 22-yard field goal with one minute remaining.
The Oles regained the lead in the third quarter off a five-yard touchdown catch by Derek Henle ’14 at 6:35. However, the Royals responded in the fourth quarter when quarterback Erik Peterson connected with running back Jesse Phenow for a 32-yard touchdown, giving the Royals a 17-14 advantage with 11:40 remaining in the game.
St. Olaf’s subsequent drive resulted in a 32-yard field goal by kicker Lucas Wainman ’16 to tie the score. Bethel’s fumble on the ensuing kickoff put the Oles on offense with just over four minutes remaining. With 3:22 on the clock, Dobson connected with Schmiesing for the game-winning, 30-yard touchdown.
The Oles 7-2, 5-2 in the MIAC travel to St. Thomas University on Nov. 10 for their last game of the season.
