No. 6 Wartburg Survives First Road Test, 24-14 [Video]

The sixth-ranked Wartburg football team survived its first road test of the season, beating No. 19 Bethel (Minn.), 24-14, Saturday afternoon (Sept. 12, 2015).

The win was the first in program history for Wartburg (2-0) on Bethel's field in St. Paul, Minn., and marked the Knights' second-straight win in the series. The Royals (1-1) suffered their first home-opening loss since the 2009 season and marked Bethel's fourth home-opening loss since the 1996 season.

Senior Brandon Domeyer (Manchester) capitalized on the Knights' first drive, giving Wartburg a 7-0 lead with a 34-yard touchdown run.

The Knights' defense made a big stop early in the second quarter, as Bethel was driving following a Wartburg turnover. The Royals failed to score on a fourth-and-goal play when the Knights stopped Bethel at their four-yard line.

The Royals tied the game on their second drive of the quarter, scoring on a 19-yard touchdown run with 7:07 left in the half. The Knights, however, regained the lead on their ensuing drive, getting a one-yard run from junior Jake Haberman (Clarion) for a 14-7 advantage.

Bethel tried a 27-yard field goal with 36 seconds left in the half, but the attempt was wide left.

The Royals knotted the score once more at 14-14 on a nine-yard pass on its first drive of the third quarter, Wartburg regained the lead for good on a 31-yard field goal by senior Michael Bohlke (Manchester) with 4:38 to play in the third quarter.

Domeyer later capped the scoring with his second touchdown run of the day on a 16-yard run. He's now tied for fourth on the program's list of career touchdown leaders with 39.

Domeyer finished with 83 yards on the ground, while senior Robbie Anstoetter (Farley) made six catches for 124 yards.

Senior Germaine Dorsey (Hillside, Ill.) helped seal the win with an interception late in the game. The picked put Wartburg in position to run out the clock.

Senior Gunner Tranel (Cedar Rapids) and junior Rob Rottler (Greene) co-led the defense with 11 total tackles. Tranel had a team-best six solo tackles. Senior Cole Hinders () had a team-best 2.5 sacks for a loss of 10 yards.

The Knights will play their final non-conference game of the season on road at Wisconsin-Stout on Saturday, Sept. 19. Kick-off is scheduled at 7 p.m.

Courtesy: Wartburg Athletics via YouTube