St. Paul, MN – The Hamline University Pipers made the most of their home opener on Saturday evening, rallying from an eight-point deficit with 12 minutes left to down Minnesota-Morris, 25-20. The come from behind victory was led by Nicholas Vasko, who rushed for 124 yards and a score.

The Pipers took the opening kickoff and marched 52 yards before taking a 6-0 lead. Vasko kept the drive alive with a 12-yard carry on third and eight and Alejandro Villanueva scored from 7 yards out two plays later to put Hamline on top. The extra point attempt was muffed.

The Lions responded, quickly going 67 yards in just four plays to take a 7-6 lead. Ethan Klimek completed a 13-yard strike to Ethan Tang to put the ball at the Hamline 41. That is where Izayah Boss did the rest, bursting outside, then racing 41 yards for the score.

Hamline was not to be denied, retaking the lead on their next possession. Vasko got the drive started with a 12-yard carry. Five plays later, the team faced third and 10 at their own 49. That is when Villanueva found Samuel Pachuta for a 10-yard completion in a fresh set of downs. The senior quarterback then found Mitchell Langman for 12 more yards, putting the ball at the Minnesota-Morris 29. At third and seven at the 15, Villanueva found Dawson Schaffer for 15 yards in the score. The extra point attempt was blocked, making it 12-7.

It would stay a five-point Hamline lead through the end of the first quarter and neither team could generate much offense in the second, sending the two teams to the locker room with the Pipers holding a 12-7 advantage.

The third quarter saw only one score, and that came when the Lions took the opening kickoff of the half and moved 60 yards in six plays. Boss led the way, carrying the ball on each of the first five plays for 47 total yards. On third and six at the Hamline 13, Klimek found Tang for the second touchdown completion of the day between the two, this time a 13-yard score.

Each team had chances to add to their score, but both teams were not able to continue to sustain drives. Finally, in the fourth, the Lions extended their lead to eight when boss took the ball at his own 35, racing 65 yards for his second touchdown of the day. The running back carried the ball 24 times for 257 yards overall and Minnesota-Morris had 292 total yards rushing.

It looked like it would be a disappointing home opener for the crowd of 1300, but Vasko brought the crowd to their feet when he led a 12-play, 68-yard drive that pulled the Pipers within five. The ground game was prominent on the possession, as Hamline carried the ball 11 of the 12 plays on the drive. Vasko started the possession with a 6-yard carry, then Villanueva found Pachuta for 21 yards. After the quarterback carried the ball for 6 yards, Vasko carried the ball in each of the next three possessions, gaining 12 total yards. Malik Wynn then had three straight carries, gaining 16 additional yards. That put the ball at the UMM 7-yard line. Vasko carried the ball on each of the next two plays, putting the ball at the two. He then scored on third and goal to make it 20-18.

There was 4:33 left in the contest when the Lions got the ball again, but the Hamline defense stepped up, forcing a punt from the Minnesota-Morris 43. Caleb Leuders returned the ball 15 yards, putting his team at their own 47 with 2:45 left on the clock.

Once again, it was Vasko leading the way, carrying the ball for 8 yards on the first play, then bursting through the line for 26 more, down to the 19-yard line. The Pipers were content keeping the ball on the ground, running three more plays for 11 additional yards. Villanueva then found Schaefer for a quick 4-yard pass completion to the 4 yard line, then found his favorite target for four more yards, giving Schaefer his seventh touchdown reception of the season. That made it 25-20.

Minnesota-Morris had one more chance after Boss returned the ball 33 yards to the Hamline 45 with 18 seconds left. Klimek was sacked by Ethan Mills for a 7-yard loss on the first play, then found Manny Guy for a 10 yard completion. On third and seven, the Lions quarterback found Tang for 8 yards and a first down, putting the ball at the Hamline 34. There was one last chance for a desperation play, but Leuders intercepted the attempt to preserve the victory.

Hamline had their best rushing game of the season, carrying the ball 42 times for 194 yards and two scores. Villanueva had nine carries for 22 yards and a TD, and he was 14-21 passing for 120 yards and two scores. Schaefer had five receptions for 49 yards and two TDs. The defense was led by Elijah Gingras, who had eight tackles. Croix Zacharias also had an interception.

The Hamline University Pipers (2-0) will have a week off before entering MIAC play on Saturday, September 28, when they welcome Carleton College (0-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00.

Boxscore

by Robert Pannier