WILD GAME SEES BEMIDJI STATE TOPPLE NORTHERN, 28-21

October 5, 2002

BEMIDJI, MINN.: Bemidji State came out on top of a wild 28-21 game on Saturday afternoon dropping the Wolves' record to 1-4 on the season.

Northern State fell behind early when the Beavers took over on a Northern fumble at midfield and marched 52 yards for the game-opening score less than three minutes into the game.

On the very next drive, the Wolves began what would be a scoring see-saw going back and forth the entire half when Ronnie Cruz punched in a one yard dive to tie the score 7-7.

BSU scored again just 2:26 before the completion of the first quarter when Jason Smith hooked up with Ryan Welle for a 79-yard scoring strike to put the Beavers up by a touchdown once again.

On the very last play of the first quarter, NSU's Justin Briese intercepted Jason Smith's pass and returned it to the BSU ten-yard line where the Wolves would take six plays to score from two yards out.

Bemidji took the 21-14 advantage when they scored on a 27-yard pass play with 3:04 to go in the half.

But NSU responded again as Charles Williams picked off a BSU pass at midfield and gave the ball back to the Wolves with :33 remaining in the first half. NSU needed just one play to see Jake Parten hook up with Josh Martin for a 46-yard touchdown pass play to tie the score at the half.

The Northern State offense was held in check in the second half keeping the ball for seven possessions and punting the ball four times and giving it away on fumbles twice. The other drive stalled with an Owen Olson field goal attempt that was blocked.

The Beavers, however, were unable to get any offense of their own going in the second half. They held the ball seven times in the second half punting twice, throwing an interception, fumbling, missing a field goal and turning the ball over on downs. The only Beaver score came on the key play of the game when Jake Parten threw an interception to Ryan McCrady who returned the pick for 80 yards and the game winning touchdown.

Statistically, the Wolves finished with 212 yards rushing led by Deacon Burns with a career high 119 yards. The Beavers were held to 134 yards on the ground and were paced by Shane Bundy with 82 yards.

Jason Smith led the BSU passing attack with 303 yards throwing the football. Jake Parten ended the game with 174 yards through the air. Each quarterback threw three interceptions on the game.

Josh Martin led the way receiving for NSU with five catches for 80 yards and one touchdown while Bemidji's Ryan Welle hauled in three passes for 101 yards including the 79-touchdown catch in the first half.

Northern (1-4, 1-2 NSIC) will host Southwest State next Saturday for a 7 p.m. showdown with the Mustangs.

-NSU-