School is back in session, the campus is bustling once again, the leaves are changing colors and that can mean only one thing-- fall is here and so is football season.

The St. Olaf football team is well into their 2000 campaign opening up their season with a 21-9 victory over Martin Luther College and dropping their MIAC opener last Saturday to Saint John's University 42-6.

The Oles wasted no time getting off to a quick start in the opening game. Spreigl led the way with 124 yards rushing on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns as the Oles rolled over the Knights of Martin Luther. Joe Hammond also completed 14 of 21 pass attempts for 223 yards passing and two touchdowns.

On defense, junior defensive back Doug Wolgamot led the Oles with 10 tackles and also had one interception. Senior defensive back John Stockman also did an excellent job replacing Greg Medeck in nickel coverages, who sprained his ankle midway through the game.

The Oles controlled the game by outgaining the Knights in total offense 411 to 285 yards and maintained a superb balance of rushing and passing on offense gaining 172 yards rushing and 240 yards passing. Manuel Spreigl was also named MIAC offensive player of the week for his outstanding performance against the Knights.

Overall, head coach Paul Miller was pleased with his team's effort. "We ran the ball well and played relatively physical," said Miller, "We hope to eliminate some of the silly penalties and alignment errors in the St. John's game. We also had three turnovers in the game. You cannot win consistently in the MIAC averaging three turnovers per game. We need to do a better job taking care of the ball."

Miller also mentioned that special teams would be a huge key coming into last Saturday's game vs. the eighth ranked Johnnies of St. John's. "With two teams that are evenly matched," he said, "special teams are going to be a huge factor."

Miller was right on the nose as the Johnnies blocked a St. Olaf punt midway through the first quarter deep in St. Olaf territory. This led to the Johnnies' first touchdown and from that point, the Johnnies never looked back.

The Johnnies struck again 4 more times in the first half and cruised to a 35-0 lead at halftime behind two touchdown passes and an 85 yard punt return for a touchdown to close out the first half. The Johnnies outgained the Oles in total yardage 407-261 and ate them up in the passing game throwing for 318 yards to the Oles 180. St. Olaf had several drives stall in Johnnies territory and the Oles finished the game 5/15 on third down conversions.

The Oles were finally able to get onto the scoreboard late in the fourth quarter when the Oles recovered a fumble on the Johnnies' five yard line. Spreigl ran for his third touchdown of the year to give the Oles their only points of the game. St. Olaf received a huge blow early in the second half as Hammond left the game with a separated shoulder.

At this time, his status is uncertain but it is likely that he will be out for most of the season. First year back-up quarterback Brian Senske looked extremely impressive in relief of Hammond leading several long drives and completing six of ten passes for 72 yards.

The Oles hope to get back on track after the disappointing loss against the Johnnies. Miller said, "We must deal with each week one at a time and then put it behind us. Our conference is too strong and even that one team may get blown out one week and blow out another the next week. We cannot let things linger."

The Oles will look to avenge their loss in their next game on Saturday in St. Paul against the Pipers from Hamline University. The Oles next home contest will be their annual homecoming game against Augsburg College on September 30th. Kickoff for both games is at 1:00 p.m.