NSU Falls To Dragons 15-26

Rudy Jones led NSU with 15 tackles against MSUM (file photo)

MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Northern State football team (3-6, 2-5 NSIC) dropped a 15-26 decision to Minnesota State Moorhead (4-5, 2-4 NSIC) Saturday afternoon in Moorhead, MN. The game was decided in the fourth quarter, when the teams combined for four touchdowns.

The Wolves held the Dragons to six points in the first two quarters of the game and went into the second half with a goal of taking a lead with a touchdown and extra point conversion. Their hopes began to fade as Moorhead's offense began to click and the Dragons rattled off 21 additional points, going up 26-0 with ten minutes left to play in the game.

While they were down considerably, the Wolves showed that they were not out of the game and went on to score two touchdowns in the final minutes of the game. The scoring drives were both capped with aerial conversions, the first being a 10-yard Turner Johnson reception and the second a 15-yard catch by Brian Jark. Andrew Wanner completed both of the touchdown passes.

The Wolves' offense did not complete as many passing yards as they do on a normal day, totaling just 160, whereas their season average is 235 yards. They did manage to push forward with 97 rushing yards, showing a concerted effort in the past few weeks to even out their offense. The Wolves' defense could not contain the Dragon's passing game, allowing MSUM 286 passing yards in 22 completed throws. Northern State was also hindered by a severe loss of yardage due to penalties. The Wolves were called for 15 penalties which resulted in 156 yards.

Wanner completed 16-of-32 passes for 160 yards and had two interceptions. Johnson and Jark had five catches and touchdown each, with Johnson leading the team with 66 yards, including a long ball that went for 35 yards. Tavis Ve'e was NSU's leading rusher with 86 yards, including a break-out play that went for 40 yards. The Northern defense was led by Rudy Jones, who came up with 15 tackles, including one tackle for loss and a broken-up pass. Bryar Johnson posted 11 tackles.

The Wolves will play on the road again next week, making the trip to Upper Iowa for a 12:00 noon game in Fayette, IA.

 

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