GAME 5

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE
INDIVIDUAL FOOTBALL GAME RECAPS

GAME RECAP - Martin Luther College survived seven turnovers with stout defense to take a 21-17 victory over Crown college Saturday. The Knights had five fumbles and two interceptions in the game. But the MLC defense was up to the challenge, holding Crown out on two goal line stands. Senior linebacker Carlos Leyrer, who finshed with 24 tackles (17 unassisted), and also returned an interception 56 yards for the Kngihts' third touchdown.

Coach gorslin said of his defense, "They never once objected to any of the offens's turnovers. Our defense came to play today. They had fun. They partied. They rioted. They had a good time and it showed." Leyrer returned the opening kickoff 50 yards to the Crown 40 yard line. After three plays, QB Ben Kuerth (who finshed the game 22-38 for 183 yards), threw the first of his two interceptions. MLC's defense held however adn the Knights took the ball 52 yards in 10 plays on their next drive as Kuerth hit Mike Feuerstahler on an 18-yard pass for the score. The kick was good.

Crown scored early in the second quarter with a 5-yard run off left tackle by J.T. Trotter, who dove at the pylon to tie the game. Defense for the Knights took control as Andrew Kuehl picked off a pass and took it 34 yards to the Crown 15. This set up the Knights second touchdown, a two-yard sweep to the left side for Eli Cloute to pu the Knights up 14-7. On Crown's next drive with 4:10 remaining in the half, Leyrer picked off a pass in the flat in stride and carried it 56 yards untouched for the Kngihts' final touchdown of the game.

Early in the second half things began to fall apart for the Knights. On MLC's first possession, sophomore Stephawn Coleman caught the ball at the Crown 40 yard line, but fumbled as he was tackled. Crown recovered. The Knights defense came out and force Crown into a 3 three and out.

On the Knights next drive, after Crown punted down to the MLC 27, the offense moved the ball to the Crown 30 yard line before running back Bill Heiges fumbled and Crown recovered. MLC's defense held strong and Crown was forced to punt after gaining just one first down on that drive. After a punt by Crown, the Knight's took over at their own 27-yard line. The very next play Heiges fumbled for a second time giving Crown good field position at the Knight 26. MLC held yet again and forced Crown to attempt a 36 yard field goal which was blocked by Doug Lange.

After an incomplete pass to Feuerstahler and an illegal forward pass penalty on Kuerth, the Knights were faced with a 3rd and 15. Kuerth threw deep down the middle of the field only to have it intercepted by Crown's Rob Greenwood at the 50 yard line. He returned it to the MLC 15. Crown scored a TD on the next play.

After another Knight turnover, Crown kicked and converted a 24 yard field goal. MLC's big test on defense came late i nthe 4th quarter when Coleman fumbled again and Crown returned it to the 5 yard line. After a sack and two incomplete passes and a penalty, the Knights took over to win the game.

Next week Saturday, MLC travels to Roseville, MN to take on Northwestern College. Both teams are tied for first place in the UMAC. Gametime is 1 p.m.

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