With 21 seconds left in the contest against Principia, quarterback Adam Denny ’04 hit receiver Jared Hillman ’06 from 9 yards out to give the Scots their second win in as many weeks. After starting on their own 13-yard line with five minutes left on the clock, the Scots methodically made their way down the field, converting on a crucial fourth and one at Principia’s 28-yard line. The excitement of the final scoring drive was evocative of the excitement felt throughout the fourth quarter. During the last 15 minutes of play, the Scots outscored the Panthers 21–6 while the two teams traded the lead three times.

The first score of the game did not come until half way through the first quarter when Principia’s quarterback Girbes-Pierce hooked up with receiver Jarrette for a 42-yard touchdown pass. The Scots found themselves down by a score early in the game, but were quick to respond. On their next offensive series, Denny hit receiver Adam Johnson from 38-yards out to put six on the board for the Scots. The kick after failed and the first quarter ended as the score stood at 7–6 in favor of the Panthers.

Early in the second quarter, the Panthers were able to capitalize on a Scots’ mistake to add to their lead. After a 10-yard rush, Denny fumbled the ball on the 50-yard line. Principia recovered and returned the ball 50-yards for the touchdown. Again, the Scots answered quickly. They received the ball on their own 40-yard line and moved down the field with strong running by backs Matt Munson ’04 and Ben Dickinson ’03. Munson snuck into the end zone from two yards out for the Scots’ second touchdown score. The two-point conversion attempt failed and the score stood at 14–12.

The Panthers continued to be effective offensively as they tacked three points onto their lead with a 32-yard field goal to cap off a 60-yard drive. The score was 17–12 in favor of the Panthers at the end of the first half.

Principia’s lead grew again near the end of the third quarter as Girbes-Pierce completed another touchdown pass to Jarrette from 36 yards out to make the score 24–12. Yet again, however, the Scots were up to the challenge. Denny dove into the end zone from the one-yard line to cap a scoring drive highlighted by a 48-yard pass from Denny to Hillman .

Principia was not keen on letting a score go unanswered. On the ensuing drive they took the ball 63 yards in five plays. Girbes-Pierce hit Jarrette a third time from 2-yards out to put his team two scores ahead of the Scots.

At the beginning of the final quarter of play the Panthers and the Scots traded unsuccessful drives before the Scots added another six points on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Denny to tight end Adam Heathcote ’04. The Scots found themselves down by only six points with over 11 minutes to play in the game. They then capitalized on a Marshall Mullenbach’03 interception as Denny hit Heathcote twice for 20 and 21 yards to bring the Scots within 10-yards on the end zone. Denny then connected with Hillman to give the Scots the lead for the first time in the contest, 32–31.

The Scots’ lead was short-lived however. The Panthers answered with an 11-play, 60-yard drive and an 11-yard touchdown pass from Girbes-Pierce to Brown. With time winding down, the Scots had to overcome a five-point deficit. They did so in resounding fashion. The Scots marched 74 yards down the field; Denny connected with Hillman both on a nine-yard touchdown pass and the ensuing two-point conversion to put the Scots ahead for good, 40–37. The sound of the victory bell, accompanied by the screams of elated fans, echoed throughout Macalester Stadium as the Scots found themselves victorious for the second week in a row.

“We all had the confidence that we knew we could do what we had to do. It was a testament to all the hard work we have put in in the past year. It really came through in the fourth quarter,” said offensive lineman Clark Wohlferd ’03.

Denny finished the contest with 306 yards passing and was 18 for 37 with three touchdowns and two picks. The receiving corps was lead by Hillman, who pulled in seven passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Heathcote was named Macalester Athlete of the Week for his performance, which included six receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown. Johnson added two receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown. Munson followed up last week’s performance with another strong effort. He amassed 152 yards on 30 attempts and added one touchdown. He is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 136.7 yards per game through three games. Dickinson added 48 yards rushing on seven tries.

Linebacker Clark Boyesen ’03, strong safety Gray Herzberg and free safety Brandon Dixon each had six solo tackles in the contest. Dixon also had a quarterback sack, as did defensive linemen Andrew Porter ’03 and Justin Hagen ’04. Defensive lineman Kohl Hames ’05 and Boyesen each pulled his first pick of the year, while Mullenbach and linebacker Nick Kraemer ’03 each had two. Mullenbach now has four interceptions on the season.

The Scots play host to Colorado College on Saturday, Sept. 28. Kick-off is at 1 p.m.