Aside from Clemens Stadium, Hollingsworth Field on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College has always been one of my favorite stadiums in the MIAC to both play and watch a game at. 2007 brought many updates to Hollingsworth Field, including a change from natural grass to turf similar to that at Saint John’s. The Gusties seemed to turn a corner, too. After a few dismal seasons, the Gusties started off the season 3-0. Recently, they have lost games to Saint Olaf and Bethel, and their task this week will be no easier. The Gusties and Johnnies are set to match up this Saturday in Saint Peter.
The Gusties have adopted a wide-open, often times no-huddle, offense this season. They have passed for over 1500 yards and rushed for just over 700 yards. Calling the shots is senior quarterback Jordan Stolp. Stolp was named all-MIAC in 2006 and has completed 120 of 212 passes for 1488 yards with 4 interceptions. His plethora of receivers includes sophomore Cameron Maurer, juniors John Retka and Chad Arlt, and senior Tom Johnson. Arlt, named all-West Region in 2006, is the go-to man on offense. He’s hauled in 51 catches for 644 yards this season. No other receiver on the team has even half as many receptions. When the Gusties do decide to run the ball, the responsibilities lie on the shoulders of 5’8” 198 pound senior running back Mitch Anderson. Anderson has rushed 103 times for 499 yards. Junior running back Ryan Wilson gets the remainder of the carries. Keeping the opposing defense at bay are seniors Ian Ruppel and Andy Klaers, juniors Michael Klayum and Jared Theleman, and sophomore Kevin Geurink. This offensive line averages about 280 pounds. Theleman was named all-MIAC in 2006.
Defensively, the Gusties have given up 663 yards on the ground and 1420 yards through the air. They have recorded 7 interceptions, yet only 3 sacks. Leading their defense is senior linebacker Jared Sieling. He was named all-MIAC in 2006 and is pacing the team with 40 tackles this season. He is joined by junior linebacker Peter Keegan and sophomore linebacker Tony Palma. The defensive line is lead by senior end Blake Theisen, who leads the team with 3 tackles for loss with 1 sack. At the other end is senior Patrick Riordon. Sandwiched by Riordon and Theisen are junior tackles Brian Berglund and Ted Aleckson. Manning the defensive backfield are junior cornerbacks Ethan Armstrong and Issac Perry and sophomore safeties Hamada Omar and Joe Welch. All four defensive backs have recorded at least one interception. Omar has the most height at 6’0”. Armstrong is listed at 5’11” and Perry and Welch are both listed at 5’9”.
Kicking duties have been shared by Stolp and junior John Ostertag. Stolp is 7-9 on extra points and 0-2 on field goals. Ostertag is 9-13 on extra points and 5-5 on field goals. The duo has also split kickoffs, with Ostertag averaging 49 yards per kickoff and Stolp averaging 56 yards per kickoff. Punting for the Gusties has been handled by Stolp and sophomore Matt Knutson. Both average around 33 yards per punt.
Without having seen the Gusties, I am optimistic. The fact that they haven’t recorded a lot of sacks tells me that our offensive line should be able to give Kofoed plenty of time to pick their defensive backfield apart. Their backfield is also fairly young, so veterans like Kofoed and Weber should be able to exploit their weaknesses. Defensively, we need to keep pace with their offense. It will be a fairly new experience playing a team running a no-huddle offense. Getting play calls in early will be key. Stolp and Arlt are their big guns on the offense. Shut down Arlt and put the pressure on Stolp, and good things will happen.
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