NORTHFIELD, Minn. — Hamline football fell to Carleton College 63-14 at Laird Stadium, with the Pipers' touchdowns coming from both a rushing and a passing play.

 

Carleton College took an early lead in the first quarter with a strong opening drive, highlighted by Jack Curtis's precision passing. Curtis connected with Rye Storrs for a 12-yard touchdown at 09:52, and Marcus Merkelbach added the extra point. The Knights continued to press their advantage, with Curtis finding Cooper Pollard for a 41-yard touchdown pass at 03:20, extending their lead to 14–0 after another successful kick by Merkelbach. The Pipers struggled to maintain momentum, despite a 42-yard rush by Will Priest, as penalties and defensive pressure from Carleton halted their advances.

 

In the second quarter, Hamline cut into the Knights' lead with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Aki to Dawson Schaffer, followed by a successful extra point by Ashton Wolfe, narrowing the score to 14–7. Carleton responded quickly, extending their lead with a 5-yard touchdown run by Nick Toole and a successful kick from Marcus Merkelbach, bringing the score to 21–7. Carleton's offense continued to dominate, as Curtis connected with Jaden Coleman and James Alexander for additional touchdown passes, increasing their advantage further. Despite Hamline's efforts, including a late interception by Carleton's Antonio Barrera, Carleton left the quarter with a commanding 42–7 lead.

 

Carleton opened the third quarter with an efficient drive, highlighted by Curtis connecting with Storrs for multiple completions, including a 31-yard gain to reach Hamline's 30-yard line. Despite advancing to the 6-yard line, Curtis fumbled on a rush attempt, and the ball was recovered by Hamline's Isaiah Watson at the 10-yard line. However, the Pipers' ensuing possession was short-lived as Aki's pass was intercepted by Eric Lail, who returned it to the Hamline 16, pushing Carleton back onto the offensive. Carleton capitalized on the turnover with Nick Toole scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown, extending their lead with 6:56 left in the quarter. Later, Hamline responded with a sustained 13-play, 60-yard drive, capped by Aki's 1-yard touchdown rush at the 1:09 mark. Wolfe added the extra point, bringing the quarter to a close with both teams having added 7 points to their totals.

 

In the fourth quarter, Carleton extended their lead with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Curtis to Pollard at 14:15, followed by Merkelbach's successful extra point. Hamline's subsequent drive was halted after a series of short gains by Priest, culminating in a turnover on downs. Carleton capitalized on their possession as Tyler Mastronardi completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to Lukas Foss at 10:03, with another extra point by Merkelbach. Despite a late interception by Gabriel Maes for Hamline, Carleton maintained control, ending the game with a decisive 63-14 victory.

 

Dawson Schaffer caught three passes for 51 yards and scored one touchdown. Aki completed 11 of 30 passes for 145 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while also rushing 11 times for a net of minus-three yards but adding a rushing touchdown. Elijah Gingras led the defense with seven total tackles, contributing significantly to the defensive effort. Maes recorded three tackles and intercepted one pass, adding a notable play on the defensive side.