Staff Writer- Katelyn Hoppe
The Gustavus Football Team earned their second straight win after defeating St. Olaf during the Homecoming game on Saturday with a final score of 37-3. Despite the near 90 degree weather, the Hollingsworth stands were filled with students, alumni, and parents alike. It was both Homecoming, as well as family weekend, making for an electric energy throughout the stadium and an unforgettable gameday experience.
Although there was extra pressure coming from the crowd, defensive lineman and Senior Caleb Aflakpi maintained his focus and commented, “I treated the game like every other; trying not to make it bigger than it was so I could play fast, free, and physically.”
This victory pushes Gusties’ stats for the season to 3-2 overall, and 2-2 in the MIAC.
Gustavus’ offense established their dominance early on, with their first play of the day being a 60-yard touchdown by running back and Junior Walker Hennen. In the second quarter, Hennen scored yet again, this time capping off a 12-play, 80 yard drive. This put Gustavus at 13-0 going into halftime.
The spirits of Gustie fans stayed high throughout halftime as the cheerleaders enthusiastically tossed t-shirts into the stands, and Gustavus Dance Team took the field to perform a totally tubular Bon Jovi medley, giving a nod to the 80s theme of Homecoming. Furthermore, the coronation of Homecoming court took place, with Seniors Jade Anstine and Zainab Syed being recognized by their peers as royalty.
Going into the third quarter, the Oles came back with a field goal, ending their shut out and keeping themselves in the game. Later on in that same quarter, the Gusties responded with a 10-play, 71-yard touchdown, completed when Junior Jacob Ginskey found Junior Liam Frommelt in the end zone, moving the score to 20-3. At the very end of the third quarter, Sophomore defensive back Andrew Bartnes picked off the ball from St. Olaf, which set Hennen up to rush the ball 24 yards to St. Olaf’s side. He went on to complete a 16-yard touchdown, making for his remarkable third of the game and first of the fourth quarter.
The Gusties didn’t stop there, forcing a three-and-out. Aflakpi blocked St. Olaf’s punt, setting Gustavus up on the Oles’ 19-yard line. Running back and Junior Alex Gross ran the ball 10 yards into the end zone. Defense continued to excel as they forced yet another three-and-out from a pass break-up by Senior lineman Max Olson. Aflakpi hit the Oles with no gain on a second down, and a sack by Senior linebacker Drew Kretlow pushed St. Olaf back 10 yards.
“Being a senior, it definitely pushes me to be vocal and help the team get better every week through the little things and big things alike. I’d say for our team it doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior; we all have been leaders,” Aflakpi shared.
With less than five minutes of the game remaining, Junior kicker Jack Sieben hit a successful 41-yard field goal, resulting in a final score of 37-3. Hennen led the team with 140 yards, and three touchdowns, while Frommelt led the team in receiving with 106 yards and a touchdown. Standout players on defense include Kretlow, Aflakpi, Olson, Bartnes, and Blake Fitcher.
“Being a part of the football team has taught me that you are so much more important than you think you are, and that you can be an inspiration to those around you… You don’t have to be the loudest or smartest in the room. Just be the best you that you can be,” Sophomore Makale Glover said.
Being from Texas, the hot weather on Saturday wasn’t a new challenge for Glover. The football team is made up of student athletes from various places, including Colorado, Alaska, California, and more, all finding a home within the community they built here in St. Peter.
This week, the Gusties are traveling north to Duluth to face off against St. Scholastica. The following week they return to Hollingsworth Field to compete against Hamline. Aflakpi and Glover emphasized that their goal for the remainder of the season is to continue demonstrating early dominance, resilience, and routine to achieve success throughout the second half of the season.