Sept. 19, 1998
The cannon works.
Wolves fans got an earful Saturday of what they missed in Northern's opener two weeks ago. The much-anticipated cannon blasts, which were supposed to fire after every NSU touchdown, didn't work in the season opener against Augustana Sept. 5. But the cannon works now, as most of Aberdeen could attest to. And NSU's offense put it through quite a workout, scoring six touchdowns under the lights at Swisher Field.
The Wolves racked up 574 yards of total offense on the night. Sophomore running back Tyrone Morgan came dangerously close to breaking NSU's single-game rushing attempts record, carrying 35 times for 186 yards. The record is held by Lee Wilson, who had 38 rushing attempts against Eastern Montana in 1968. Morgan, who scored two rushing touchdowns and another on a screen, sat the fourth quarter with the game already well in hand.
Junior quarterback Tom Ramerth also had a banner day, going 13-for-16 for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Senior wideout Steve Cowherd continued to lead the Wolves receiving corps, hauling in five receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns (34- and 65-yard strikes). He was one of six receivers Ramerth spread the ball to during the game.
Perhaps even more satisfying for NSU's offense than its gobs of yardage on the night was the fact the team's efforts weren't shot in the foot by costly turnovers. Northern, which turned the ball over nine times in the first two games, went without a turnover against Minot.
Defensively, the Wolves were equally impressive, forcing three fumbles and registering three sacks. Senior linebacker Rob Carroll led the charge against the Beavers offense, tallying seven unassisted tackles including four for loss. MSU mustered just 173 yards of total offense on the night.
The Wolves will need all the firepower they can muster next week when nationally-ranked Winona State comes to town for the Gypsy Day game. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. at Swisher Field.