Tommies too much for the Gusties: St. Thomas wins 40-6 in Gusties’ final home game of the season

The Gustie football team took to Hollingsworth Field for the last time of the 2016 season last Saturday against the fourth-ranked St. Thomas Tommies.  St. Thomas’ high-powered offense and superior size proved too much for the Black and Gold, as St. Thomas won 40-6. The last time Gustavus defeated St. Thomas was in 2007.

The Gusties have been battling injuries all year long, but managed to allow the fewest points against the Tommie offense since 2013, when they lost by a slim eight-point margin, 20-12.

The Gusties actually won the time of possession battle by over 10 minutes, but had trouble finding the endzone to put points on the board.  The St. Thomas offense was quick and efficient, scoring touchdowns on four of their first five drives.

The Gustie defense couldn’t slow down the Tommie’s pass game, which was led by senior Quarterback Alex Fenske, who threw for 326 yards and four touchdowns.

“We didn’t get a ton accomplished out there in terms of points and yards but I really love how the guys competed.” — Coach Haugen

Sophomore Jordan Kahlow led the Gusties’ defense with 8 tackles, and Senior Tanner Jensen added an interception.

On the offensive side, two quarterbacks traded off at the helm.  Freshman Christian Haffner got the start and went 3-8 for 32 yards and two interceptions, while adding in 20 rushing yards on 17 attempts.

Sophomore Sam Archer also got a piece of the action and went 5-13 for 50 yards.  Senior Running Back Luke Martinez had a milestone game as he passed the 1,000 yards rushing mark for his career, with 41 yards on 17 rushes.

“I love the way our guys competed and I think that’s the biggest thing. They [St. Thomas] are who they are in terms of how good they are. We had some serious setbacks, offensive line during the week with injuries and guys came in there on such sort notice against one of the top defenses in the country. We didn’t get a ton accomplished out there in terms of points and yards but I really love how the guys competed,” Head Coach Peter Haugen said.

One bright spot for the Gusties was their efficiency and success on special teams.  Junior Kicker Brendan Boche provided Gustavus’ only points on the day with two 34-yard field goals.  His first field goal put the Gusties on the board with 5:01 left in the second quarter and made the score 19-3, and his second was with 8:33 to go in the game, when the deficit was already insurmountable.

Junior Punter Casey Decker also had a great game, punting the ball six times for a total of 235 yards.  He averaged 39.2 yards per punt, and had a season-long 57-yard punt that forced the St. Thomas offense to start inside their own 20-yard line.

“I’m very proud of the senior group, they’ve really dedicated themselves to this program over the last four years.” — Coach Haugen

Decker’s leg strength ranks third in the MIAC and his performance against the Tommies earned him MIAC Football Special Teams Athlete-of-the-Week Honors.

This loss moves the Gusties to 4-5 overall and 2-5 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, while the Tommies remain at the top of the MIAC with a perfect record of 9-0.  This was the last home game for senior Gustie football players, and Coach Haugen reflected fondly on their work ethic.

“I’m very proud of the senior group, they’ve really dedicated themselves to this program over the last four years,” Haugen said.

“We’ve got Minnesota kids, guys from Mexico, and all over the country, so we’re thankful for everyone one of them and their contributions to this program and the influence they’ve had on our younger players.”

The Gusties will graduate 16 seniors this year and their contributions to the program and the Gustavus community are much appreciated. The Gusties look to wrap up the regular season with a win this weekend in Northfield, MN as they take on Carleton College who is 1-8 on the year. The game is at 1 p.m.

Fewest points allowed since 2013

Last year was 66-9

2014 was 35-57

2013 was 12-20