St. Ambrose Football

SAU routs Iowa Wesleyan

From the opening kickoff, the Fighting Bees dominated the Iowa Wesleyan Tigers, finishing the game with a 51-0 win in their home and conference opener. Despite losing in time of possession, SAU was able to outgain Iowa Wesleyan 337 yards to 127. The Fighting Bees defense forced two fumbles, recovering one and intercepted three Iowa Wesleyan passes. SAU seemed to have a nose for the ball making several tackles for loss against the Tigers pitch option offense.

"Coach Mike [Magistrelli] had a great game plan. We had an extra hat in the area of every play, Coach Sturdy said. "Early on we were a little bit late to the ball, but we got it ironed out."

The defense was paced up front by DE Ben Sacco (6-4, SR) and LB Kellen Driscoll (6-4 SR). Sacco finished the game with 7 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss and a sack. Driscoll lead the Fighting Bees in tackles with nine and had one tackle for a loss.

"Ben [Sacco] has been very consistent and makes a lot of plays over and over. He's really come into his own after changing to the defensive end last season. He's given us a great start off the edge," Coach Sturdy said.

Offensively, the Bees moved the ball with precision. Quarterback Jim DuPage (6-1, SR) completed 15 of 25 attempts for 166 yards and both threw and ran for a touchdown. SAU was able to rush the ball effectively behind Adam Norland (5-11, SR) and Vernon Reed (5-10, JR). Norland finished with 71 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown and Reed ended at 101 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown.

"The linesmen blocked out front very well. We were able to get our hats on the linebackers," Coach Sturdy said. "We were a little bit confused [in the first game] against Loras, but we got a lot better this week in practice. We had them outnumbered in the run game."

The Bees will need the same type of performance on both sides of the ball as they travel to William Penn next week. Last year, the Bees trailed at halftime before pulling out a 43-10 victory over the Statesmen.

"Most importantly, we need to continue to get better offensively and defensively. We can't overlook anyone. We won big against William Penn last year, but they are one of the most improved teams in the league. It will be a big challenge if we want to be 3-0 after next Saturday."

Box Score ( click here )