St. Thomas Cruises To Victory In D3 Playoff Opener

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- St. Thomas has advanced in the NCAA Division III football playoffs, after the Tommies set a school record for total offense with 644 yards in a 57-10 first-round victory over Benedictine University of Illinois.

Ben Wartman rushed for 149 yards and three touchdowns and broke the St. Thomas career rushing record Saturday. The Tommies (11-0), who have the No. 2 seed in the 32-team tournament, will host Linfield College of Oregon next.

MIAC rival Bethel also advanced, with a 28-20 victory over Wartburg College in Iowa. The Royals (10-1) will play at Wheaton College in Illinois next.

In Division II, St. Cloud State beat Hillsdale College of Michigan 42-28 for the second playoff win in program history. The Huskies (10-2) play at conference rival Minnesota Duluth next.

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