University of St. Thomas Athletics
Bethel
Big rushing day sinks Toms
9/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Phil Porta rushed 41 times for 180 yards and two TDs and Bethel held St. Thomas to 185 yards of offense in Saturday's 17-7 win over the visiting Tommies in MIAC football in Arden Hills.
A Bethel Homecoming crowd of more than 6,000 watched the Royals (4-1 overall, 2-1 MIAC) outgain UST 346-185 yards.
The Tommies (2-2, 1-1) played without senior All-American candidate wide receiver P.J. Theisen, who was hurt two weeks ago in the win at Gustavus. The Toms had only one turnover but managed just 10 first downs.
UST had a first-and-goal at the Bethel five-yard-line with 15 seconds left in the first half. But the Tommies, who had no time outs left, and were unsuccessful on two plays and came away with no points.
The Toms trailed 7-0 at halftime and pulled within 10-7 on a Jake Casey 10-yard pass from Ryan Jansen late in the third quarter. But Bethel used a long scoring drive in the final quarter to take control.
On defense, Justin Nwadiashi had a fumble recovery, an interception and seven tackles. Freshmen linebackers Ross Petterson (17 tackles, on-side kick recovery) and Adam Johannsen (nine tackles) led the tacklers. Tony Margarit had five catches for 63 yards.
The Toms host Carleton next Saturday.
