Area school update: Saturday's games to watch

By JOEL RIPPEL, Star Tribune

Last update: October 2, 2009 - 12:17 AM

SATURDAY'S GAMES TO WATCH

St. Cloud State (2-3, 1-0 NSIC North) at Bemidji State (4-1, 1-0), 1 p.m.

St. Cloud State, which had averaged 23 points per game in its first four games, broke loose last week in a 57-10 victory at Upper Iowa. The Huskies gained 583 yards as Mitch Watkins passed for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Bemidji State, which was picked to finished fourth in the NSIC North in the coaches' preseason poll, is coming off a 42-20 victory at Northern State. The Beavers rushed for 271 yards in the victory. The Beavers' only loss was a three-point overtime loss at Minnesota State Mankato on Sept. 5. St. Cloud State won last year's meeting 48-14 at home.

Bethel (3-1, 2-0 MIAC) at St. John's (4-0, 2-0), 1 pm Bethel, which was picked third in the MIAC preseason poll, has opened its conference schedule with victories over Carleton (42-7) and Concordia (29-10). Against Concordia, receiver Joel Quick scored all four Royals touchdowns as he caught six passes for 149 yards. The Royals defense has given up only 289 yards rushing in four games. Bethel's only loss was a 29-26 loss to Wheaton. St. John's, ranked No. 6 in the NCAA Division III poll, has opened conference play with two road victories, at Concordia (31-19) and Gustavus Adolphus (38-10). The Johnnies have been led by Jakob Reding, who has rushed for 328 yards, and Joe Boyle, who has passed for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns. Bethel won last year's meeting 14-9 at Bethel.

Augustana (4-1, 1-0 NSIC South)

at MSU Mankato (5-0, 2-0), 3 p.m.

Augustana has won eight of the past 10 meetings between the two, including 41-39 in overtime last year in Sioux Falls. Augustana has been led by Joe Clark, who has rushed for 468 yards and five touchdowns, and Luke Butler, who has passed for 855 yards and 11 TDs with only one interception. Augustana defeated Concordia (St. Paul) 30-23 last week. MSU Mankato, ranked No. 7 in Division II, is off to a 5-0 start for only the third time in school history. The Mavericks beat No. 25 Winona State 34-13 last week as Steve Pachan passed for 258 yards and four TDs.

PLAYERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Adam Concannon, St. Olaf linebacker

The senior from Orlando had 10 tackles, a sack and an interception return for a touchdown in the Oles' 24-14 victory over Augsburg. Concannon leads the Oles with 34 tackles, including five tackles for loss.

Zach Fry, MSU Moorhead quarterback

Fry, a true freshman from Milton, Wis., has thrown for 1,074 yards in the Dragons' five games. Last week, Fry completed 28 of 33 passes for 293 yards in a 24-13 victory over Minnesota-Crookston.

BY THE NUMBERS

Victories in UMAC conference games this season for St. Scholastica, which defeated Minnesota-Morris 22-16 on Saturday for its first-ever conference victory. The Saints (2-2, 1-0 UMAC) were 0-4 in UMAC games last season -- the school's first season of intercollegiate football.

Point-after conversions by St. Thomas kicker Brady Beeson in the Tommies' 63-10 victory over Hamline. Beeson had eight career points going into the game.

Passes attempted (an NCAA Division III record) by Alma's Mackenzie McGrady in a 40-27 loss to Wisconsin-River Falls. McGrady completed 52 passes (also a D-III record) for 567 yards.

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