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WOLVES GET BACK ON TRACK WITH 38-14 WIN OVER MINNESOTA-CROOKSTON
Oct. 27,
2001
Northern
fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter, but scored 38 unanswered
points to record a convincing 38-14 win over Minnesota-Crookston
Saturday afternoon in NSU's home finale at Swisher Field.
Grounded Eagles --
For
most of the afternoon, there was nowhere to run or hide
for UMC's offense, as NSU racked up nine tackles for loss
on the day. Above, senior linebacker Eddie Hernandez stuffs
UMC's Kyle Kraska for a loss. |
After
a disappointing loss at Minnesota-Duluth last week, the team
got back to basics. Northern's offensive line responded by
controlling the flow of the game. When it was over, NSU held
a 15-minute edge in time of possession. The offensive line
pushed, leaned and wore out the Crookston defense. Senior
running back Tefua Bloomfield (Kearns, Utah) punished defenders
with his no-nonsense style of running. Bloomfield carried
the ball 40 times for 169 yards and two touchdowns.
When Crookston
did get the ball, NSU's defense flew around to make big plays
that not only thwarted drives but also created turnovers.
The Wolves forced five fumbles on the day and recovered four.
NSU scored on two of those fumble recoveries, including one
where junior defensive end Keith Cowins (Miami, Fla.) sacked
UMC quarterback Justin Schreiber and forced a fumble. Junior
defensive back Tell Hammerstrom (Sturgis, S.D.) scooped up
the offering and returned it 35 yards to the end zone.
Senior
outside linebackers Booker T. Bell III (Diamond Bar, Calif.)
and Eddie Hernandez (Miami, Fla.) led the team in tackles
with nine and seven, respectively. Both made big plays in
the UMC backfield, combining for three tackles for loss and
one sack.
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Oh,
the hands! NSU
senior tight end Josh Graves, usually known for his
blocking ability, shows his receiving skills by not
loosing concentration and hauling in a bobbled five-yard
reception with a UMC defender draped around his waist.
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Not to
be left out, NSU's passing game had a big impact. Junior quarterback
Scott Ackley (Stockton, Calif.) hit seven receivers on the
day, and provided enough balance -- such as a 59-yard strike
to freshman wideout Josh Martin (Spearfish, S.D.) and another
touchdown pass to junior Jimmy Johnson (Lodi, Calif.) -- to
offset NSU's dominating rushing game and keep the Golden Eagles
on their heels. Ackley ended 15-for-34 for 234 yards.
Overall,
NSU's inspired performance came from wanting to send its seniors
out on a high note in their last home game. Mission
accomplished. An even higher note for the Wolves, however,
would be to knock off conference-unbeaten Winona State in
Winona next weekend.
With the
win, Northern improved to 4-5 overall and 4-3 in the Northern
Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Minnesota-Crookston dropped
to 3-6 overall and 3-4 in league play.
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