No. 25/20 Bemidji State heads to Mankato, Minn. to take on the No. 13/8 Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks on Saturday for the first NSIC matchup of the season. The Beavers started their season with a thrilling 19-13 overtime victory on Aug. 29 against the Michigan Technological University Huskies.

Beaver kicker Joey Prondzinski was named the NSIC’s Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring seven of the Beavers’ 19 points against the Huskies, making two field goals and one extra-point kick.

After week zero, the Beavers have found themselves atop of NCAA Division II in multiple statistical categories. The Beavers lead Division II in red zone offense and sacks allowed and are second in punt returns and rushing defense.

In the NSIC, the Beavers rank first in punt returns and sacks allowed, as well as ranking second for rushing defense.

Bemidji State’s offense struggled to find its footing during the first three quarters of play last week, but scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to take a lead over the Huskies.

Bubba Peters and Sam McGath led the Beaver offense, tabbing a pair of passing/receiving touchdowns, including the overtime, game-winning score. On the ground, Jayden Washington and Jarrett Gronski have proved to be a force to be reckoned with for defensive lines as they combined for 110 rushing yards and averaged of 4.4 yards per carry. Linebacker Jacob Drietz leads the Gang Green defense this season with seven total tackles, three solo and four assisted. Behind Drietz, Stephen Hoffman has become a nightmare for quarterbacks, earning 1.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks plus three quarterback hurries.

After this weekend’s matchup, the Beavers return home to celebrate Senior Day and the annual Shrine Game against Southwest Minnesota State University on Sep. 14 at Chet Anderson Stadium.