The vaunted Carleton air attack will be tested versus a stout Johnnie defense this week. (Photo by Tom Dahlin)
Five weeks ago, the Johnnies had dropped their second game of the season and hopes of a MIAC championship were set aside by most fans. Since then, they have rattled off four straight wins, and with some key losses by other MIAC teams, they find themselves in a position to claim an outright MIAC title and the automatic berth into the NCAA playoffs that goes along with it. Standing in their way are the Carleton Knights. A longtime MIAC cellar-dweller, the Knights have shown an incredible improvement under third-year head coach Kurt Ramler. Ramler, an outstanding quarterback at Saint John’s in the late 1990s, has turned the Knights from the proverbial red-headed stepchild of the MIAC into a team with realistic playoff hopes in his short tenure. Veteran coach John Gagliardi leads his Johnnies to Laird Stadium this Saturday to battle with his pupil’s Knights. It is the last game of the regular season; what better way to end than with the top two teams matching up for the conference title?
The Knights are an offensive powerhouse, scoring an average of 32 points per game. Their bread and butter is their air attack, where they’ve amassed 77 percent of their total yardage. Senior quarterback Shane Henfling (6-2, 200) leads the offense, completing 236 of 351 passes for 2814 yards in nine games with nine interceptions. He’s kept the ball 58 times, as well, but his main threat is his arm. He’s got a bevy of weapons to throw to. Senior receiver Matt Frank (6-5, 223) is his top target and has to be a favorite as MIAC MVP. Frank has hauled in 79 catches for 892 yards, and he missed several games due to injury. Also factoring into the mix are senior Chris Gardner (5-11, 170) with 49 catches for 781 yards and sophomore Dylan Bothun (6-3, 188) with 23 catches for 259 yards. Henfling will also spread the passes to his running backs. Junior Phil Blue (5-9, 185) has caught 32 passes for 304 yards and rushed 87 times for another 348 yards. Senior Steve Ramey (5-11, 215) has 27 receptions for 378 yards but rarely carries the ball. Keeping opposing defenses at bay are senior Jon Nelson (6-1, 245), sophomores Brad Eckelmann (6-3, 230), Ted Longabaugh (6-4, 252), and Will Taylor (6-4, 261), and freshman Tanner Martin (6-0, 221).
The Knight defense has given up 23 points per game this season. Senior free safety Drew Ziller (6-0, 203) is undoubtedly the leader, amassing 91 tackles, three sacks, and three interceptions thus far. He is joined in the backfield by sophomore strong safety Neil Kolstad (5-11, 188) and senior cornerbacks Nick Cesarek (6-2, 190) and Kane Bechstein (5-10, 170). Kolstad leads the Knights in interceptions with six total picks. The all-sophomore linebacking crew is composed of George Zeon (6-0, 237), Andy Samborski (5-10, 210), and Tim Mulso (6-1, 217). Senior John Hanks (6-5, 238) leads the defensive front with five sacks and 30 tackles. Seniors Tim Kane (6-3, 235), Jason Bartlett (6-2, 252), and Nick Brom (6-2, 250) fill in the remainder of the defensive line.
Kane also handles kicking duties for Carleton. He is three of six on field goals, 26 of 31 on extra points, and averages 54 yards per kick off. Freshman Erik Fabry (6-2, 187) punts, returns punts, and returns kicks. He’s averaged 37 yards per punt, about four yards per punt return, and 18 yards per kick return.
Interestingly, Carleton has beaten both Concordia and Bethel, who Saint John’s has lost to. On the other hand, Saint John’s has beaten both Gustavus and Saint Thomas, who Carleton has lost to. I’d give the offensive edge in this game to the Knights because Saint John’s has not shown consistent offensive production all season. Defensively, the Johnnies get my nod. They’ve played tough, and there is no question that the Johnnies would not be in this position without their always-stout defense. I think the game will come down to the wire. If the Johnnie offense clicks, I think their defense will be able to hang in there for the win. If the Johnnie offense can’t effectively move the ball, it will be a long day for the Johnnie defense.
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