It's back to the playoffs for SAU football

by: chris hassel
Staff Writer

The Fighting Bees football team entered Saturday’s game against Olivet Nazarene on life support, not knowing what the team's future would be. In fact, even after the game was over, things were uncertain. But when it was all said and done, SAU was breathing a little easier.

The Bees improved their playoff chances by defeating the tigers 34-10 at Brady Street Stadium on Senior Day.

"I’m so proud of our guys," Head Coach Todd Sturdy said. "We didn’t really know what to expect after last week. These guys showed a lot of character today."

SAU held the Tigers to 176 yards of total offense, intercepted two passes, recovered a fumble, and blocked a punt.

Both interceptions were made by DeQuinn Watford who brought the first one back for the first touchdown of his college career.

"DeQuinn is an exciting football player," Sturdy said. "He really stepped up today along with the rest of the secondary."

The Tigers got on the board first on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Joe Boseo to Joey Brewer.

"We fell behind early but we didn’t panic," Sturdy said. "The guys came right back on the very next drive and got us going."

Jeff Kietzman led the Bees on a 3-play, 52-yard drive, capped by a 15-yard touchdown reception by Chris Burhans.

SAU would then score on their next two possessions. The first, a 27-yard field goal by Evan Gutierrez, and the second a 1-yard quarterback sneak on fourth and goal from the 1 to make it 17-7 Fighting Bees. After that, the Bees never looked back.

Kietzman wasn't sure if he was playing his last game on Saturday, but if he was, he went out in style.

He completed 18 of 30 passes for 193 yards and 3 touchdowns.

"We did our part today," Kietzman said after the game. "Now it’s time to play the waiting game and see if we get into the playoffs."

The Bees closed out the regular season at 8-2 and 5-2 in conference. They finish ed in third place in the MSFA Midwest Division and received one of the four at-large bids to the NAIA playoffs.

SAU will travel to Sioux City, Iowa to take on the Great Plains Athletic Conference champions. They will play against no. 3, Morningside College.

The Mustangs are 10-0 this season and have beaten nine out of 10 opponents by at least 20 points.

The game will take place at 1 p.m. in Sioux City at Elwood Olsen Stadium. Tickets can be purchased by calling (712) 274-5531 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Tickets can also be purchased at the game.

This is the Fighting Bees first trip to the playoffs since 2003 when they lost in the second round to St. Francis.