COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John’s University senior running back Jeff Schnobrich (New Ulm, Minn./Cathedral) and junior linebacker Ethan Eid (Arden Hills, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall) were named the MIAC Offensive and Co-Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, Nov. 17.
Senior running back Jeff Schnobrich
Schnobrich caught nine passes for 145 yards, including the 22-yard game-winner with 16 seconds remaining in the 14-10 win at Carleton last Saturday, Nov. 15. Schnobrich made three catches on SJU’s four-play, 62-yard game-winning drive and recorded his third 100-yard receiving game of the season. Schnobrich also gained 34 yards on eight carries in the game. Schnobrich currently leads SJU in rushing with 444 yards on 119 carries, and is second on the team with 34 catches for 398 yards.
Eid posted 10 tackles (six solo), a fumble recovery and an interception in the win Saturday. Eid intercepted a Carleton pass on the Knights’ first offensive play after SJU took a 7-0 lead. On third-and-one from the SJU two-yard line early in the fourth quarter (7-3 in favor of SJU), Eid stuffed Carleton quarterback Shane Henfling on the keeper to force fourth down. The Johnnies then stopped Henfling on another keeper to force a turnover on downs. Eid sealed the win for SJU by recovering a fumble on Carleton’s final play of the game. Eid is currently third on the team in tackles with 82 (32 solo), including five tackles for loss and two interceptions.
The Saint John's University football team (8-2, 6-2 MIAC) travels to face Wis.-Whitewater (9-1, 6-1 WIAC) in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs this Saturday, Nov. 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Perkins Stadium in Whitewater, Wis.
SJU earned its MIAC-record 30th conference championship, the 26th title under head coach John Gagliardi, and the 13th in the last 18 seasons with the win at Carleton Saturday. The Johnnies are making their 23rd postseason appearance (and 10th in the past 11 seasons) under Gagliardi.
The Johnnies have posted a 39-17 playoff record, including NCAA Division III titles in 2003 and 1976, and NAIA titles in 1965 and 1963. Saint John’s is 18-3 all-time in the first round of either the NAIA or NCAA playoff formats. The last time the Johnnies lost in the first round was a 28-10 loss at Occidental, Calif. on Nov. 23, 1985. SJU is 15-0 since.