ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Hamline University football team secured a 28-21 victory over Crown at Klas Field on Saturday afternoon highlighted by three passing touchdowns from freshman phenom Zayden Stevens, who became the first freshman quarterback to start a season opener for the Pipers since Tom Gothmann in 1979. This win marks Hamline's fifth-straight 1-0 start to a season, while the Polars start 2025 with an 0-1 mark.

Hamline 28, Crown 21

In the first quarter, Crown opened the scoring with a 32-yard field goal by Reichen Hoekstra at the 6:22 mark, capitalizing on a fumble recovered by Jakalyn Roy at the Hamline 17-yard line. The Pipers quickly responded with a strong offensive drive, highlighted by Zayden Stevens completing a series of passes, including a 24-yard toss to Dawson Schaffer, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass to Samuel Pachuta with 3:50 remaining. Kieran Barrientos added the extra point to give Hamline a 7-3 lead. Despite a sustained drive by the Polars, Hamline's defense held firm, highlighted by Elijah Gingras's sack of Zach Brown, as the quarter concluded with Hamline leading 7-3.

The second quarter began with the Polars capitalizing on a 28-yard run by Jamarrius Courtney, aided by a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Hamline's Jevon Jones, leading to a Donovan Soloman touchdown at 13:02. That momentum was halted when Reichen Hoekstra missed the extra point, which put Crown ahead 9-7. Hamline quickly responded, with Zayden Stevens connecting with Dawson Schaffer for a 48-yard touchdown just 12 seconds into their possession, putting them ahead 14-9. Crown regained the lead briefly with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Courtney to Jakari Hunnecook, but Hamline closed the half decisively when Stevens found Schaffer again, this time for a 26-yard touchdown with seven seconds left, securing a 21-15 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, the Pipers extended their lead over the Polars with a decisive drive culminating in a seven-yard touchdown run by Elijah Simmons at 6:28, followed by a successful extra point from Kieran Barrientos. Earlier in the quarter, Crown's possession was cut short when Donovan Soloman fumbled at their 48 yard line, recovered by Hamline's Dominic Sandoval. The Pipers capitalized on this turnover, with Simmons contributing significantly to the drive, including a key 12-yard rush. Despite Crown's efforts to respond, a crucial holding penalty nullified their advance into the red zone, keeping Hamline's defense strong throughout the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Hamline's Erik Aune intercepted a pass from Courtney at the 14:46 mark, setting the tone for a defensive battle. Despite Hamline's efforts, Crown's Eddie Hallowanger snatched an interception at 13:36, preventing further momentum. At 5:14, Crown's Devin Williams fumbled, only for Hamline's Max Mills to recover, but the Pipers were unable to capitalize, turning the ball over on downs. Crown closed the gap with a late eight-yard touchdown run by Jamarrius Courtney as the clock expired, yet Hamline held on for a 28-21 victory.

Dawson Schaffer caught four passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns, leading the receiving corps. Zayden Stevens completed 22-of-31 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns, highlighting his efficiency under center. Croix Zacharias anchored the defense with 11 tackles, while Erik Aune had seven stops and an interception, returning it for 20 yards. Elijah Gingras contributed defensively with four tackles and one sack. 

Jamarrius Courtney delivered a standout performance for the Polars, completing 14-of-24 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown while rushing 21 times for an impressive 172 yards and another score. Freshman wide receiver Jakari Hunnecook contributed significantly with three receptions for 50 yards, including a touchdown. On defense, senior Rudy Criner led with eight tackles. Defensive back Eddie Hallowanger intercepted a pass, adding to Crown's defensive efforts. Jakalyn Roy made a notable impact on the defensive line, recovering three fumbles and forcing another.

The Pipers will host Saint John's (Minn.) at Klas Field on Saturday, September 20 at 1 p.m. This will mark the first meeting between the Johnnies and Pipers since November 9, 2019.