Gagliardi wins 400th game, Johnnies advance

McMINNVILLE, Ore. (AP) -- Kent Crowley rushed for 167 yards and coach John Gagliardi won his 400th game as St. John's (Minn.) beat Linfield 21-14 on Saturday in the NCAA Division III quarterfinals.

Gagliardi is only the second coach to reach the 400 mark and is nine victories away from breaking Eddie Robinson's all-time coaching mark of 408. He's coached 54 seasons -- 50 at St. John's -- and has a record of 400-113-11.

"It was a tough one, but it's just another game," said Gagliardi. "I've been in a lot of them." Of the milestone, he said: "We don't celebrate; we aren't big on celebrating."

St. John's advances to Saturday's semifinals against Trinity of Texas, which beat Bridgewater (Va.) 38-32 on Saturday. The game will be played in San Antonio.

Quarterback Ross Denne threw for 292 yards and one score, completing 22 of 39 passes for St. John's (12-1).

David Russell carried 27 times for 161 yards and scored both of Linfield's touchdowns. Tyler Matthews threw for 265 yards, completing 20 of 36 passes, for the Wildcats (10-1).

Midway through the first quarter, Crowley broke off a 57-yard scoring run through the heart of the Linfield defense, giving the Johnnies a 7-0 lead.

Crowley had a 21-yard scoring run in the second quarter to put St. John's in front 14-7. After halftime, Denne hit Lee Clintsman with a 59-yard bomb to put St. John's ahead 21-7.

Linfield was plagued by five turnovers -- two interceptions and three fumbles. The Wildcats had the ball late, but their final drive ended on downs near midfield.

St. John's and Linfield had played once before, in the 1965 NAIA championship. St. John's won 33-0.

St. John's, Minn 7 7 7 0 -- 21

Linfield 7 0 0 7 -- 14

First Quarter

StJ--Crowley 57 run (Keller kick), 8:19

Lin--Russell 2 run (Wales kick), 0:02

Second Quarter

StJ--Crowley 21 run (Keller kick), 3:01

Third Quarter

StJ--Clintsman 59 pass from Denne (Keller kick), 13:46

Fourth Quarter

Lin--Russell 11 run (Wales kick), 8:17

A--4,000.