Augsburg out-scores Macalester 58-41
Macalester took advantage of three early fumbles to take a 20-0 first quarter lead, but suffered six turnovers after that point as visiting Augsburg rallied for a 58-41 shootout win over the Scots in St. Paul. In all, there were 986 yards in offense, 99 points, 47 first downs and nine turnovers in this Senior Day contest.
Augsburg quarterback Ayrton Scott, who came in ranked No. 4 in the NCAA Division III in total offense, was the difference in the game. Scott went 21-for-32 passing for 236 yards and four touchdowns, and also rushed for 167 and two scores.
The Scots fall to 5-4 on the season, while the Auggies are now 6-3.
Augsburg led 508-478 in offensive yardage gained, 25-22 in first downs, and 6-3 in turnovers gained.
Quarterback Clark Bledsoe (Sr., Jacksonville, Fla. / Episcopal) went 20-for-31 for 298 yards and three touchdowns for the Scots, throwing five completions to C.J. Smith (Jr., Ashland, Wis.) for 143 yards and a score. Smith broke away for an 86-yard catch-and-run but was brought down just short of the end zone. Mike Adams (Sr., Chippewa Falls, Wis.) ran 13 times for 84 yards and three touchdowns.
Leading the Macalester defense was Jole Miller (So., Missouri Valley, Ia.) with 12 tackles, including eight solo stops, and Reid Callahan (Jr., Atlanta, Ga. / St. Pius X) with 11 stops.
In all, there were 986 yards in offense, 99 points, 47 first downs and nine turnovers.
Adam Carl pulled in nine receptions for 116 yards and Jerise Washington gained 101 yards on the ground for Augsburg. Bryce Vee led the defensive effort with 13 tackles and Enrico Barrozo added 11 stops.
The Auggies and Scots were tied at 41-41 heading into the fourth quarter, with Augsburg putting things away with a 43-yard scoring pass, a 30-yard field goal, and a 41-yard interception return.
Macalester closes out the season next Saturday (Nov. 10) when it makes the short trip up Snelling Ave. to play Hamline for the Paint Bucket Trophy. The Scots claimed the trophy a year ago with a 17-0 shutout win.
