After an action-packed week across campus, the Homecoming festivities came to a bittersweet end following a 49–25 defeat versus The Oles. The Pipers fall back to a .500 record and an 0–2 start in MIAC play.
Despite the defeat, Hamline won in the passing game with nearly 70 more yards through the air. Senior Charlie Wilson played a big part in this, hauling in 14 receptions for 214 yards and two touchdowns.
Wilson has been unguardable through the start of the season, with almost 700 yards and 12 touchdowns in just four games. Several season and all time Hamline records are in reach for Wilson as the season moves on.
The Pipers matched Saint Olaf through the first quarter with a 7–7 score heading into the second. However, a scoring party ensued for The Oles in the second, scoring 21 unanswered and recovering a fumbled kick return.
The 28–7 deficit did not stun the Pipers going into halftime; in just the final two minutes they put up 10 before the end of the half. Right after the two minute warning, Charlie Wilson hauled in a 38 yard touchdown and rejuvenated the Hamline faithfuls in the stands.
The defense came to play in the final two minutes, setting up a three and out to return the ball over to the offense with 48 seconds remaining.
The Pipers were able to march down to mid field and spike the ball with four seconds on the clock, setting up a field goal attempt. As the clock hit double zero on the half, Sophomore Durham Welch delivered a rocket of a kick from 42 yards out to cut the deficit down to 11.
The momentum sadly did not carry into the second half as Saint Olaf once again scored 21 unanswered. The Pipers still fought until the end, and Wilson found the endzone for a second time after a diving 25 yard touchdown reception to cut the lead to 24.
The Pipers will have five more games in the regular season before the chance at aMIAC playoff appearance. Despite the last two losses, the scoring and offensive firepower poses a threat to the rest of their schedule.
The next kickoff will be this Saturday, Oct. 7, back at Klas Field where Augsburg will cross the Mississippi to do battle after a close defeat versus The Johnnies over the weekend.