UST misses scoring chances in FB loss at Bemidji

September 11, 2000
4 long TD passes carry Bemidji State past Toms

St. Thomas lost its 2000 football season opener Saturday, 32-9 at Bemidji State. The Division II Beavers, now 2-0, got TD passes of 64, 68, 80 and 33 yards from Geoff Martinson as they rolled up 540 yards of offense and improved to 2-0 on the season.

The Toms, who started seven sophomores on offense and four freshmen or sophomores on defense, showed the effects of their first game. The Toms trailed 19-3 late in the first half and had first-and-goal at the BSU 9-yard-line, but QB Alex Jadin was intercepted, keeping the halftime deficit at 16 points. In the first 3 1-2 quarters, the Toms had four drives inside the Bemidji 15-yard-line stall as they netted only three points on those chances.

The Toms' lone TD came in the final 5:00 as Nick Ambrasas ran 24 yards. The Toms gained 217 rushing yards and 339 total offense yards on the day, but had 12 penalties for 98 yards and had two passes picked off. Jadin was 11-of-26 passing for 131 yards. Marcus Ludtke rushed 17 times for 79 yards; Jake Barkley rushed 15 times for 62 yards; and Jadin ran nine times for 35 yards. Mike Westland caught four passes for 48 yards and Andrew Hilliard had one catch for 38 yards. Josh Brand kicked a 27-yard field goal but had an extra-point blocked.

On defense, Andy Kaiser had two sacks among his nine tackles; Joe Fritze had a pass interception; Marshall Clamons had a fumble recovery. Freshman Kyle Davenport averaged 42.2 yards on five punts.

In losing the 1999 season opener at home to Bemidji State, the Toms surrendured 502 yards in a 24-14 loss. The UST defense went on to lead the MIAC in fewest yards allowed.

The Toms begin MIAC play Saturday vs. Concordia-Moorhead (0-1) at O'Shaughnessy Stadium.

The UST junior-varsity openes a five-game schedule Monday at home vs. Bethel (6:30 p.m.).

In the first two weekends of play, MIAC teams went 4-6 against some tough foes, with St. John's, Bethel, St. Olaf and Macalester winning.