Bethel gets 31-7 football win over visiting Oles

Mike Ludwig
October 11, 2008

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Quarterback Josh Aakre rushed for two scores and threw for 114 yards as Bethel University defeated visiting St. Olaf 31-7 in an MIAC football game on Saturday afternoon.

Logan Flannery rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown for the Royals (3-3, 2-2 MIAC), who scored on their first two possessions and held the Oles (3-3, 1-3 MIAC) to 137 yards of total offense and seven first downs in the win.

Bethel put together a 13-play, 69-yard touchdown drive to open the game. The Royals then held the Oles three-and-out and marched 64 yards on ten plays for its second score.

St. Olaf took its second possession 47 yards on nine plays, but was stopped on the Bethel 14 and missed a 31-yard field goal. St. Olaf averted a shutout with a three-yard touchdown pass from John Haberman to Coty Watkins with 8:05 left in the fourth quarter, capping a 13-play, 67-yard drive.

Haberman was 13-for-22 for 99 yards with the touchdown and an interception in the loss. Antonio Jennings was his favorite target, catching seven passes for 69 yards.

Bethel rushed for 259 yards in the victory, helped by Dustin Wahl's 14 carries for 71 and a touchdown.

St. Olaf is idle next week before an Oct. 25 home game with Saint John's University.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.