New Ulm, MN - The MLC defense made their presence known in a 13-0 victory over the Crown Polars on Saturday and secured their first shutout of the 2024 season. Additionally, the Knights forced five turnovers (three fumbles and two interceptions) and Andrew Esmay was once again the catalyst for the MLC pass rush finishing with four tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles/recoveries. Esmay added to his D-III lead in sacks (16.5) and forced fumbles (8). The MLC defense also allowed a season-low in total offense (74 yards) and passing yards (63) as the Polars only converted five first downs throughout the four quarters of play.

The Crown defense also held the Knights' offense in check for the majority of the contest as well. MLC was able to move the ball at times, but the Polars stopped the Knights from scoring on multiple occasions especially late in the first half as the score would remain 3-0 entering halftime.

MLC opened up the second half with a touchdown on an 11-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard run by Rees Roecker that would be the only touchdown of the game.

Following that score for MLC, there would be a few turnovers and third down stops in the second half until the Knights added a few more points of insurance with a second made field goal by Micah Koschnitzke. With both field goals, Koschnitzke now holds the MLC record for career field goals (14) as a junior.

Brady Turriff finished the game out with 169 yards through the air and now moves up to third in MLC single-season passing yards (1,841) and in completions (132). The freshman quarterback has one more chance this season to move up the record books.

MLC also honored nine seniors who played in their final home game in a Knights' uniform and two in particular, Joey Ehlke and Matthew Hillmer , grabbed an interception. Ehlke also had six tackles, which was second on the team behind Ethan Melso, who led with seven stops.

With the win on Saturday, MLC swept the season series against Crown, previously defeating them 30-14 in October in a different style of game. The Knights improve to 6-3 overall, 4-2 UMAC and have one more game on the road as they face Minnesota Morris on Saturday, November 16, at 1 p.m.