The Gustie offense will need to be more productive in 2008 in order for a shot at upsetting the Johnnies (Photo by Tim Ward)
This week, the Johnnies look to rebound after a hard-fought loss to MIAC rival Concordia. The visiting Gusties from Gustavus Adolphus College will bring a perfect record of 2-0 into Clemens Stadium for the Saint John’s Homecoming game. The Gusties opened their 2008 campaign with a win against Iowa’s Coe College 27-19 and opened their MIAC season with a win over Hamline University 21-14. Collegeville is always a tough place to play, but facing the Johnnies in Collegeville on Homecoming and after a tough loss will be a daunting task for the upstart Gusties.
Gone is long-time quarterback Jordan Stolp. Calling the signals for Gustavus in 2008 is junior quarterback Jordan Becker (6-3, 215). In his first two games, Becker has completed 39 of 63 passes for 435 yards, but has also thrown 6 interceptions. He’s also called his own number 22 times for 26 yards. Senior receiver Chad Arlt (6-2, 200) is Becker’s main target. The preseason All-American has hauled in 17 catches for 200 yards already this season. Other top receiving threats include freshman Elliot Herdina (5-10, 170), sophomore Cody Sukalski (5-11, 180), and junior Cameron Mauer (6-4, 210). The trio has accounted for 21 additional receptions. Senior running back Ray Wilson (5-10, 190) gets the bulk of the carries. He’s carried 21 times for 64 yards. Additionally, senior running back Adam Lukes has 11 carries for 14 yards. Keeping opposing defenses at bay are seniors Michael Klaylum (6-4, 275) and Jared Thelemann (6-1, 265), juniors Mike May (5-11, 240) and Kevin Geurink (6-0, 265), and sophomore Chris Martinez (6-4, 285). The Gustie offense was intriguing last season, as the offensive coordinator called plays in after the two teams were at the line of scrimmage. It remains to be seen if they continue this practice this year.
Leading the Gusties in tackles thus far is junior strong safety Joe Welch (5-9, 185). Additionally in the defensive backfield are junior free safety T.J. Ridley (5-7, 157) and senior cornerbacks Ethan Armstrong (5-11, 175) and Isaac Perry (5-9, 180). Welch, Ridley, and Armstrong each have an interception to their credit. On the defensive front are seniors Ted Aleckson (6-3, 250) and Brian Berglund (6-1, 250) and sophomore Scott Wilkie (6-2, 240). The three have combined for no sacks yet this season. At linebackers are senior Mike Fabel (6-1, 195), junior Tony Palma (6-1, 210), and sophomores Zach Lundquist (6-0, 215) and Paul Stommes (5-11, 200). Fabel leads the group with three tackles for loss and one-and-a-half sacks this season. Stommes was named the MIAC defensive player-of-the-week for his performance versus Coe in week one.
Handling kicking duties is senior John Ostertag (6-1, 195) who was named All-MIAC in 2007. Ostertag averages 60 yards per kickoff, is six of seven on PAT attempts, and is zero for one on field goal attempts. Junior Matt Knutson (6-1, 210) averages 33 yards per punt. Cornerback Ethan Armstrong returns punts for the Gusties. He’s returned six punts for 30 yards.
As previously mentioned, this will be a tough game for Gustavus. The Johnnies throttled the Gusties in Saint Peter last season, and the Gusties had a veteran quarterback then. Arlt was a non-factor in that game. I think the Johnnies will take Arlt out of the equation again and will not have a problem stopping the paltry Gustie ground game.
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