<mline University mistakenly scheduled Carleton College for what they hoped to be a Piper-friendly homecoming game last Saturday, and the Knights capitalized on this error to earn their first MIAC win of the season. The Carleton offense outgained the Pipers 516 to 182 in total yards in a 31-17 victory, providing ample support for the age-old adage that “creative and innovative teaching and learning” (Hamline University 2007 Student Guidebook) do not translate into a dynamic offensive gameplan. The resurgence of the Knights can undoubtedly be attributed to the return of All-American receiver Matt Frank ’09, whose superhero status was confirmed by his 6-week recovery from a season-ending injury. Frank, a Caledonia (“The Beverly Hills of Southeastern Minnesota”) native, made his presence felt early with a first-quarter touchdown reception that put the Knights up 7-0. Tight end Steve Ramey ’09 (5 receptions, 106 yards) and running back Phil Blue ’10 (11 carries, 70 yards, TD) also played key roles, but the majority of the game belonged to running back RJ Jackson ’08. Jackson gained 184 yards on 24 carries, and his 22-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run sealed the game for the Knights. The consummate team player, Jackson even fumbled what was sure to be another fourth-quarter touchdown into the endzone, where he allowed offensive lineman Ted Longabaugh ’11 to recover for his first career score.
Keeping up their season-long theme, the Carleton defense once again turned in a dominant performance. The Knights forced five turnovers (one an interception by linebacker Jared Phelps ’08 for the third consecutive game) and came up with five sacks in a solid all-around effort. Ever the entertainers, though, the Knights allowed Hamline to exploit several James Colbenson-sized holes in the middle of the field in knotting the score at 17 with 4:08 remaining, allowing for the late-game drama that was capped off by the Longabaugh and Jackson touchdowns. In unrelated news, linebacker James Colbenson ’08 was unable to play due to an ankle injury, but he is expected to return to action this week.
Also noticeably absent from the $7.1 million Klas Center (you’ll love their field turf and freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies) were the Carleton Cheerboys, who are branching out their support to all Carleton athletics. While their physical presence aided the women’s soccer team in a thrilling overtime victory, the Cheerboy spirit was alive and well in St. Paul in the form of a loud and imposing group of Carleton supporters. Be sure to jump on the bandwagon this Saturday when the Knights host Augsburg College, the 1997 MIAC champions and, according to the Princeton Review, one of the 161 “Best Midwestern Colleges.”