<rleton Knights picked up their first win of the season this Saturday in a 34-0 homecoming rout of Hamline University. The Knights (1-2, 1-1 MIAC), like last week, came out hot, but this time they were able to capitalize on early scoring opportunities, and the game was all but over by the end of the first half.
Quarterback Mike Hartwell ’13 began the onslaught on the Knights’ opening drive, scoring on a 40-yard run after a successful play fake. Just ten minutes later, Carleton struck again as Conor Lynch ’14 made a spectacular catch in the endzone for a 21-yard TD reception. Carleton added to its lead in the second quarter with a 26-yard field goal by Eric Murphy ’12. The Knights’ final scoring play came from Hartwell’s 38-yard touchdown strike to tight end Brian Frett ‘14, who caught the pass with less than a minute remaining in the first half.
After beginning the second half with a 24-0 lead, the Knights showed no sign of letting up, cruising to victory with several more scoring plays. After Justin Rotman ’12 blocked a punt, Hartwell scored his second rushing touchdown of the day with just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter. Murphy also added to the lead early in the 4th quarter with his second field goal of the day.
Offensively, Mike Hartwell led the way with four total touchdowns (two passing, two rushing), and 118 yards on 7-17 passing. He also ran the ball effectively, picking up 68 yards on the ground. In addition, kicker Murphy recorded a career-high 10-points, and averaged 49.3 yards on seven kickoffs. Murphy’s performance was good enough to earn the title of MIAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
The Knights dominated defensively as well, allowing only 58 yards in the first half, and limiting the Pipers triple-option attack to just 1.6 yards per carry. After a heroic but insignificant defensive stand on the final Hamline possession of the game, the Knights successfully completed their first conference shutout since 1996. Keenan Hartert ‘13 turned in an outstanding defensive performance, recording five tackles and 2.5 sacks on the day. His teammate Tyler Richards ’12 also recorded four tackles and a sack.
Next week the Knights look to maintain their momentum as they travel to Minneapolis to take on undefeated MIAC foe Augsburg College. The game kicks off at 1 pm.