Scots march through Midwest Conference

By: Ian Van Anden
Sports Editor

The Monmouth College Fighting Scots Football Team was at Grinnell College on Saturday, Sept. 30, for a Midwest Conference bout. The Scots, who are currently undefeated in conference play, continued their conference dominance against Grinnell, winning 51-31. The Scots’ offense put their highest point total on the scoreboard for the 2006 season with 51 points.

Monmouth scored at least 10 points in every quarter and was led for the second straight week by freshman back-up quarterback Jared Mundt. Mundt, who led the Scots to victory against Carroll in his first start, looked just as poised in his second week.

Mundt opened the scoring in the game with a four-yard touchdown pass to senior Shane Gordon. After allowing a quick touchdown to Grinnell, the MC offense struck again under the leadership of Mundt. The freshman found another senior receiver open. This time it was Dan Morrison who was open for a 51-yard score.

In the game, Morrison led all Scots’ receivers with four catches for 99 yards. His 51-yard touchdown catch was his only of the game.

The Scots’ next drive was marked by two long passes by Mundt. He first found senior standout Evan Haffner open for a 29-yard gain. Next, Mundt again hooked up with Gordon for a 13-yard pickup. Senior Dante Daniels then pounded the ball home for a 2-yard score, which put Monmouth up 14-6.

In the second quarter, MC and Grinnell continued to trade scores as neither team’s defense really took a stand. Daniels broke off a nice 34-yard touchdown run. The senior’s score was sandwiched by two Pioneer rushing touchdowns.

The third quarter started with Grinnell having possession, but the Scots’ defense made a statement, forcing a three and out. Sophomore linebacker Luke Sandrock did his part in the MC stand. On second down, Sandrock forced a Grinnell fumble. Although the Pioneers were able to recover the ball, it was at a significant loss of 8 yards.

The Scots responded after the Grinnell punt, traveling 62 yards in six plays to score a touchdown. Again, it was Mundt sparking the drive on another long passing play. This time, he and Morrison combined for a 34-yard pass play. Junior Jess Miller ended the drive with a five-yard touchdown catch.

The Monmouth College special teams then got in on the action. Freshman Clay Bricker blocked a Grinnell punt and then junior Jeff Davis scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a 13-yard score. The return put the Scots up 41-18.

After junior Nathan Palkovic’s 34-yard field goal and another Grinnell rushing touchdown, Davis struck again. This time, the junior carried the ball 34 yards on a draw play. Davis broke into the open and glided into the end zone to score the Scots’ final points for the day.

Mundt, in his second straight start, again looked impressive. The freshman completed 14 of his 24 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Daniels continued to be the MC workhorse, however, as he had another 200 yard rushing day. The senior piled up 205 rushing yards against Grinnell and also scored two touchdowns. This was Daniels’ third 200 yard rushing performance and the senior has yet to be held under 100 yards rushing this year.

Sandrock helped lead the defense despite the continued absence of some senior leaders. Jason Goldsworthy and Doug Stichter continue to be out of the starting line-up due to injury. Sandrock recorded 10 tackles for the Scots, leading the team. Freshman Matt Morgan pitched in with six tackles. That mark was second on the team.

The Pioneers did try to make the game interesting, but failed. The 31 points the Scots allowed was their highest total of the year and by far the most points given up to a Midwest Conference opponent. The Scots’ defense was on the field for more than 37 minutes, as the Scots lost the battle for time of possession.

The Scots have a big game on Saturday, Oct. 7, as they will face St. Norbert which is currently undefeated on the season. The winner of this game will likely be the lone Midwest Conference representative in the NCAA Division III playoffs. The Scots’ 28-20 win over the Green Knights last year propelled Monmouth to their first ever playoff appearance.