Defense, Clark lead Oles past Gustavus, 20-7

Mike Ludwig
November 7, 2009

ST. PETER, Minn. - Leon Clark rushed for 201 yards and a score and the St. Olaf defense forced five Gustavus turnovers in the Oles' 20-7 MIAC football win over the host Gusties on Saturday afternoon.

Clark's 200-yard rushing performance is the program's first since 2003 and helped the Oles (4-5, 2-5 MIAC) snap a four-game losing streak.

The Ole defense forced turnovers on three straight Gustavus possessions in the third quarter, a frame that saw Gustavus gain minus-9 yards of offense.

St. Olaf had three interceptions, from Tyler Jones, Chris DeLuca and Justin Lanman, in the win. C.J. Tabasky added a pair of sacks and Adam Concannon eight tackles.

Clark's 34-yard touchdown run gave St. Olaf a 10-0 lead, but it was the arm of sophomore quarterback Clay Garrett that sealed the victory. With the Oles leading 13-7 Garrett connected with Antonio Jennings on a 38-yard scoring strike to make it a two-touchdown lead.

Garrett finished the day 20-for-25 for 181 yards, with the touchdown and no interceptions. Garrett found Carson Jones nine times for 61 yards. Clark caught three passes for 37 yards and had 257 all-purpose yards.

Gustavus was led by Elliott Herdina, who rushed for a 53-yard touchdown and had five receptions for 64 yards.

The win makes seven in a row against Gustavus, the longest streak for St. Olaf in the all-time series.

The Oles host Hamline University on Saturday in the season finale for both teams. St. Olaf has won 10 in a row in the series and a win would mark the sixth straight season at .500 or better.

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