The Pipers welcomed in a roaring crowd of over 800 fans for this year’s homecoming matchup against the Knights. With four forced turnovers on the day, the Piper’s defense kept the game close, with three interceptions on the day from junior Juan Bertaud.
The offense wasn’t able to keep up with the Knights however, suffering their first loss of the 2024 season. Junior quarterback Curtis Jack and senior Wide Receiver Nathan Strieff gave Carelton an early lead with two touchdown passes in the first half for 25 and 28 yards.
Late in the second after a very long drive going almost six minutes the Piper’s were on the board with a three yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Alejandro Villanueva to junior wide receiver Dawson Schaffer.
With 1:56 left in the half, the Knights received the ball and were able to extend their lead to 17–7 with one second remaining thanks to a 33 yard field goal to junior kicker Marcus Merkelback.
The second half opened up with a quick three and out drive only lasting 46 seconds from Carelton, with 14:08 to go in the third the Piper’s retained possession down 10. Schaffer had the play of a drive with a big 36 yard reception setting the Piper’s up for first and goal.
On third and goal from the eight yard line the Piper’s were able to capitalize and get within three thanks to Villanueva and Schaffer hooking up in the endzone for the second time with a touchdown pass.
With Carelton up 17–14 they put together a scrappy drive with only two plays over 10 yards leading to a four yard rushing touchdown from senior wide receiver Jaden Coleman.
It was do or die for Hamline at the end of homecoming with the ball down ten with six minutes remaining. After a lackluster start to the drive, Villanueva aired one out deep to junior wide receiver Eric Pfenning-Wendt for a big 24 yard completion.
Following a timeout the Piper’s were 1st and 10 on the Knights 17, a pass from Villanueva got intercepted by junior Eric Lail at the 11 leading to the Knights running the clock out to end the game.
The Knights picked up their second win to improve to 2–1 on the year before they face off against Concordia Moorhead on Oct. 5.
The Piper’s perfect season comes to an end with the loss, the matchup was the first of a seven game in conference play stretch which has been trouble for Hamline in past seasons. The next matchup will be down in Northfield to play St. Olaf. (3–0) who recently shut out Macalester College.