This past Saturday was a big day at Gustavus. Current students, Gustie alumni, friends and family, among many others crowded the campus for Homecoming festivities. Perhaps one of the busiest events on campus was the annual Homecoming Football game where Gustavus hosted the Auggies of Augsburg College.

The Gusties took the lead quickly in the first quarter and never looked back, winning the game 59-42. The Gustavus offense was running on all cylinders all game long.

“It was really a team effort. Offensively, we protected and blocked well and our skill players made big plays,” Head Coach Peter Haugen said.

The high scoring affair was backed by a strong performance from Senior Quarterback Mitch Hendricks, who tossed four touchdowns through the air, and ran a touchdown in, as well. Three of Hendricks’ touchdowns were hauled in by Senior Wide Receiver Matthew Boyce.

“We did exactly what we wanted to. We scored on all but one drive and we made big plays when we had to and came out with a big win against a great opponent,” Boyce said.     Boyce finished the game with eight receptions and 106 receiving yards.

“It felt great to help lead my team. Mitch Hendricks and the entire offensive line were also a huge reason that we were able to win Saturday. They all came ready to play and the scoreboard says the rest,” Boyce said.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Gusties had their hands full with dual threat quarterback, Ayrton Scott, who was dangerous both through the air and on the ground.

“He is very difficult to defend because he passes and runs so well.  Our goal was to try and force him to hurry his throws and work to contain him when he runs,” Coach Haugen said.

The defense did a great job with that goal. The Gusties forced three fumbles, as well as returned an interception for a touchdown.

“Defensively we created some key turnovers and were able to score with the big interception from Nick Frandsen,” Coach Haugen said.

Even though there may have been a few less empty seats compared to other weeks, the preparation for the game was still business as usual.

“We prepared this week the same as we always do,” Coach Haugen said.
There may have been a bit of added pressure with the big crowd, but the team used that to their advantage.

“We had a little bit of pressure coming into the week, but nothing that we can’t handle. We knew that we were going to have a great crowd. That tiny bit of pressure that we felt I think made us practice and play better,” Boyce said.

As for the rest of the season, the team’s goals and expectations stay the same.

“My expectations for the rest of the season is to continue to improve daily and keep focusing week by week to get the win,” Junior Linebacker Tyler Jakes said.

The Gusties take the field next on Saturday, October 3rd at 1 PM in Northfield as they take on Carleton College. The team’s focus is now on Carleton and Carleton only.

“Our team goal the rest of the season is to go 1-0 every week. We aren’t worried about anybody but Carleton. We know that if we play our game every week and do everything that we can, we should be in contention for a MIAC championship,” Boyce said.

The next home game will be on October 10th at 1 PM, when the Gusties host St. Olaf College during Family Weekend.