Nelson, Defense Lead Knights Slaying of Scots, 41-0
NORTHFIELD, Minn. – With a total team effort, the Carleton College football team dispatched Macalester College by a 41-0 score and seized control of the Book of Knowledge Trophy that is awarded annually in the matchup of the two highest-ranked academic institutions in the state.
Carleton (1-0) was better than the Scots (1-0) on offense, defense, and special team as the Knights outgained the opposition 474 to 219, forced four turnovers, and converted all seven of their place kick opportunities.
“I’m really happy for our players and the way they’ve bought in,” said Carleton head coach Tom Journell. “The ability to raise the standard of performance and expectations has been senior and upperclassmen led. This is an example of what we can do here. A year ago we lost by 10, but this year we win by 41.
“Defensively, to not give up a big play and shutout a team that we gave up 48 points to a year ago, that makes me really happy with our performance.”
The Knights took advantage of a bad snap on a Macalester punt and cashed in on an early 1-yard touchdown toss from Beau Nelson (So./San Diego, Calif./Westview) to Sean Goodman (Jr./Houston, Texas/S.P. Waltrip). The Knights then turned two Macalester fumbles into a pair of field goals by Alex Chertoff (Jr./Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep) and led 13-0 at the break.
After halftime, it looked for a moment that Macalester might build some momentum as the Scots came up with their lone turnover of the afternoon. The Scots were forced to punt and pinned the Knights at their own two-yard line.
Carleton responded by engineering a 10-play, 98-yard scoring drive. Nelson was 7-for-7 on the drive for 76 yards, including a 16-yard connection with senior wideout Mack Journell (Stevens Point, Wis./Stevens Point), who outjumped two defenders to catch the ball.
Journell finished the day with 14 catches, matching his career high. He totaled 181 receiving yards, the highest figure in his career, and added 31-yard touchdown reception on the next Carleton drive.
Emanual Williams (Sr./Lovelady, Texas/Lovelady) and Bert Bean (So./Kansas City, Mo./Pembroke Hill School) also had touchdown receptions of 46 and 19 yards, respectively.
Making his first collegiate start at quarterback, Nelson played one series into the fourth quarter and closed the afternoon 32-for-48 for 301 yards and 4 touchdown tosses.
Linebacker Peter Hagstrom (Sr./Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee) paced the defense with nine tackles and a forced fumble. Defensive back Travis Brown (Jr./St. Michael, Minn./St, Michael-Albertville) collected eight tackles and had two interceptions as the Knights posted their first shutout since the 2011 season.
Next week Carleton travels to Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.
By Carleton Staff
Photo Credit: Nathan Klok/Carleton College