Benilde-St. Margaret’s defeated Tartan 48-27 on senior night. The Red Knights took the lead and never let the Titans get close, grinding out the final frames on the ground.

The first half featured both teams exchanging touchdowns. While a steady 20 m.p.h. wind didn’t thwart either team’s ability to move the ball, both quarterbacks found ways to convert third downs and take shots deep in the passing game early.

A costly muffed punt return by Tartan in the second quarter allowed Benilde-St. Margaret’s to stay aggressive and amass a 12-point lead heading into the halftime break.  

The second half was a different story as the Red Knights controlled the ball for much of the third and fourth quarter. The Tartan defense looked for ways to minimize Benilde-St. Margaret’s size on the offensive line and fleet-footed backfield but to no avail.

Red Knights quarterback Keaton Studsrud and company took care of the ball and controlled the rest of the game with a steady rushing attack. Benilde-St. Margaret's finished with 299 yards on the ground.

Recap: Benilde-St. Margaret’s defeated Tartan with near perfection on senior night as the Red Knights took the lead and never let the Titans back into the game. With no turnovers and a five-touchdown performance from senior quarterback Keaton Studsrud, coaches Jon Hanks and Pat Krieger couldn’t ask for much more. Benilde-St. Margarat's withstood a three-touchdown game from Titan running back Keenen Bellaphant by taking advantages of miscues and turnover opportunities. 

Key of the game: Benilde-St. Margaret’s running game never slowed down, amassing 299 yards on the ground. Studsrud credited the offensive line for opening holes and keeping the offense moving forward. 

Quote: “The biggest applause goes to the offensive line, they put the team on their backs. …It’s bittersweet being a senior on senior night, it kind of sucks that it’s almost over. ” — Keaton Studsrud

One thing to know: Studsrud finished the night with 151 yards and three touchdowns through the air while adding 51 yards on the ground with a pair or rushing scores.

DAVID HOUFEK