Defense key to MLC's 21-17 victory

(Special to The Journal from MLC Sports Information Director Jeremy Belter)

ST. BONIFACIUS -- Martin Luther College's survived seven turnovers with stout defense to take a 21-17 victory over Crown College (0-5, 0-2) Saturday.

The Knights (2-3, 2-0) 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 finished with 24 tackles (17 of unassisted), also returned an interception 56 yards for the Knights' third touchdown.

Coach Dennis Gorsline said aof his defense, "They never once objected to any of the offense's turnovers. Our defense came to play today. They had fun. They partied. They rioted. They had a good time and it showed."

Leyrer returning the opening kickoff 50 yards to the Crown 40 yard line. After three plays, quarterback Ben Kuerth (who finished the game 22-38 for 183 yards), threw the first of his two interceptions. MLC's defense held, however and the Knights took the ball 52 yards in 10 plays as Kuerth hit Mike Feuerstabler 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 then took control as Andrew Kuehl picked off a pass and took it 34 yards to the Crown 15. This set up the Knight second touchdown, a two-yard sweep to the left side for Eli Cloute to put 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 Knight's final touchdown of the game.

Early in the second half things began to fall apart for the Knights. On the 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 forced Crown into a 3 and out.

On the Knight's 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.

Crown pinned the Knights deep in their territory 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. It was blocked by Doug Lange and the ball rolled out the back of the end zone for a touchback.

After an incomplete pass to Feuerstabler and an illegal forward pass penalty on Kuerth, the Knights were faced with a 3 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 and Crown turned the opportunity into points with a 15-yard touchdown completion from Muncy to Jim Frankosky to pull the Storm to within 7.

The Knights took over at the 20-yard line. On 3 and 2, Kuerth was sacked and then fumbled the ball at the 19-yard line. Once again MLC's defense held Crown to a field goel.

Both teams played tough defense in the fourth quarter. But with 7:00 remaining in the game, Stephawn Coleman coughed up the ball on the Knight's 30-yard line and it was returned by Crown down to the MLC 5-yard line. Faced with the possibility of giving up the game-winning touchdown, MLC's defense held once more. Trotter tried three times to carry it into the end zone, and a fourth-down pass was incomplete.

The Knights took over on downs, but were forced to punt- Crown had one final opportunity . On a second down and 10 yards to go, Muncy completed a 32-yard pass to Trotter down to the Knight 32. Crown tried three consecutive pass plays, but Doug Lange sacked Muncy on one play and the last two went incomplete.

Next week Saturday, MLC travels to Roseville to take on Northwestern College. MLC and NWC are tied for first in the UMAC conference. Game time is 1 p.m.