St. Thomas football clinched at least a share of its third-consecutive MIAC title Saturday at O’Shaughnessy Stadium led by a dominant defense in a 58-7 route of Gustavus.
The Tommies (7-0 MIAC, 8-1 overall) held the Gusties (3-4 MIAC, 4-5 overall) to a rushing total of minus-2 yards, which marks the fourth time that feat has been achieved this season.
The unit limited Gustavus quarterback Hunter Johnson to two completions on 12 passing attempts for three yards and an interception. Johnson was also sacked seven times for a total loss of 42 yards.
Tommie linebacker Blake Weber, who had a 2-yard pick six in the second quarter, led the defense in its best overall effort of the season. The unit allowed only one yard of total offense and a touchdown.
“I was certainly happy with the defense,” Coach Glenn Caruso said. “We’re playing the way we need to.”
St. Thomas tight end Matt Christenson scored two touchdowns on four catches for 71 yards, including a trick play touchdown late in the first half.
The play started with a run by Tucker Trettel to the right, who then pitched the ball back to wide receiver Gabe Green on a reverse. Green handed the ball back to Perra, who found Christenson wide open for a 37-yard touchdown.
“We usually run toss really well, so teams really have to respect that,” Christenson said. “And then being able to get the ball back to Jacques so he can chuck it 50 yards … it was pretty awesome to see it work out.”
Perra completed 19 of his 29 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Josh Parks added 100 yards on 12 carries, including a 48-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
The Tommies look to win the outright MIAC title next Saturday when they play St. Olaf in Northfield for the final regular season game.
With the win, the Tommies have clinched an automatic bid into the NCAA playoffs. Despite all that Saturday’s win secured for the Tommies, the offense lost one of its key pieces for the rest of the season.
On his Instagram account, running back Jordan Roberts said he was diagnosed with the fourth concussion of his career and that he, his family and his doctors decided it “was the best thing … to be done playing.”
“It sucks that I can’t play anymore, but it is what it is,” he said after the game. “I’m going to make the most of it.”
Roberts was able to see the field one last time against the Gusties. With 15 seconds left in the game, he lined up as a safety for the final play of the game.
“He’s been at every practice, he’s a leader vocally and emotionally,” Caruso said. “Whatever he can do to help the team, he’s doing it … It was great to see him get in for his last play.”
The game marked the end of Roberts’ NCAA eligibility, which spanned six years at both South Dakota State and St. Thomas.
Roberts played for South Dakota from 2010-2012 and accumulated 1,001 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns in 21 games with the Coyotes.
With the Tommies, the Sheridan, Wyoming native recorded his best statistical season in 2015. He broke the St. Thomas single-season rushing record with 2,092 yards, became the first player in the MIAC to score 36 touchdowns in a season and earned both D-III Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-America honors.
“I think a lot about the players and teammates and coaches that I played with and had memories with,” Roberts said after the game. “Those are the guys you hold with you forever and what they taught you and experiences you have had with them. My heart’s heavy, that’s for sure.”
Due to the injury, Roberts has been pushed into a more support-based role. While it’s been a tough transition, Caruso believes the running back has handled it well.
“The dream role for a running back is rushing the ball for 2,000 yards and having 35 touchdowns, and he did that. Unfortunately … his role is now changed, but he’s embraced it,” Caruso said. “That’s the culture we need to provide here, and he’s doing it to the highest of levels.”
Though he won’t dress for any more games, Roberts will remain with the team to finish out the season.
“There’s a lot of people love and support me here on the team and in the seminary and my family and friends. They’re helping me get through it. I’m at peace with it, so it is what it is.”
Brady Halbmaier can be reached at halb2084@stthomas.edu
Noah Brown can be reached at brow7736@stthomas.edu