Football battles with, but loses 10-3 decision at fifth-ranked SJU

Mike Ludwig
October 24, 2009

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - The St. Olaf football team had its final drive stopped on the SJU 25-yard line as time expired as fifth-ranked Saint John's defeated the visiting Oles 10-3 on Saturday afternoon at Clemons Stadium.

Leon Clark rushed for 125 yards on 17 carries for the Oles, who got their only score on a second quarter 47-yard field goal from Josiah Powell. The field goal is the longest for any St. Olaf kicker on record.

St. Olaf outgained SJU 221-207, but went 3-for-13 on third downs and had the ball in SJU territory only four times.

SJU capitalized on two first half St. Olaf (3-4, 1-4 MIAC) turnover for each score. The last, a 51-yard field goal as the clock ran out in the second quarter, came a play after the Oles' first-and-goal play from the SJU 5-yard line was intercepted.

The St. Olaf defense was otherwise solid in the loss. Eric Werdahl paced the unit with 12 tackles, including nine solo takedowns, and a pass breakup. C.J. Tabasky added two sacks as a part of a seven-tackle effort.

St. Olaf quarterback Clay Garrett, who took over for injured senior John Haberman in the week six loss to Bethel, went 19-of-29 for 105 yards.

SJU needed to use a reserve signal-caller, first year John Ries, as well after starter Joe Boyle was sidelined with an injury on his throwing hand in the first half. The Ole defense limited SJU to 40 yards passing on 11 attempts, nine by Ries.

St. Olaf will play host to Concordia College-Moorhead next Saturday at 1 p.m.

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