Backes makes first collegiate start in 81-0 rout of Scholastica

St John’s remains unbeaten at 8-0 on the year after they cruised by St. Scholastica at Clemens Stadium on Saturday.

As expected by many coming into the game, the Johnnies dominated from start to finish and hung 81 points as they notched their fourth shutout of the year.

The Johnnie offense scored early and often as they put up 33 points in the first quarter and ended the first half with 54 points on the board.

Leading the Johnnie offense this week in his first collegiate start was senior quarterback Chris Backes, replacing the injured Aaron Syverson.

Backes did not disappoint in his first-ever start, throwing for four touchdowns while completing 87% of his passes.

“It was a good way to get my first collegiate win,” Backes said, “I did not have to do too much. I just had to come in, do my job, and let others make plays. The offense was efficient because we had a good game plan in place and we executed [it] well.”

Along with the efficiency the offense demonstrated, the defense shined yet again as they recorded their fourth shutout in the last five games.

Not only that, but the defense also forced four turnovers and scored twice.

“Defensively, we did a great job,” junior linebacker Erik Bjork said. “We controlled the line of scrimmage, made tackles and even scored two defensive touchdowns.”

Because the Johnnies achieved an early lead and kept growing it throughout the game, many non-starters saw a lot of playing time in Saturday’s win.

“We played over 170 players in the game,” said head coach Gary Fasching. “Many of our young guys came in and played well.”

Bjork also stressed the importance of the underclassman having playing time and what they mean to the team.

“They provide extreme value each week playing on the scout team, and it was great to see them get in the game and have some fun,” Bjork said. “Guys like that help make our football program great.”

Despite the win, there are always things that can still be worked on and improved.

Specifically, special teams lacked at times during the game, with kickers missing two extra points.

Along with that, the only Johnnie punt of the game was partially blocked.

“We will need to be much better in those areas as we move forward,” Fasching said.

The win makes the Johnnies 6-0 in the MIAC and 3-0 in Northwoods division play.

Meanwhile, the Saints fall to 0-6 on the year and 0-4 in division play.

The win also has the Johnnies clinch a spot in the MIAC Championship, which will be played on Saturday, Nov. 13.

St John’s concludes the regular season next week as they travel to Northfield to take on Carleton College (6-2(4-2 MIAC)).