By Kristin Farris
BSU Sports Information

WINONA, Minn. — Bemidji State University (0-2) let up 21 unanswered points to Winona State University (1-1) Saturday afternoon, falling 21-17 in the first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matchup of 2025.

The first quarter opened with Bemidji State’s Connor Carver’s 12-yard rush and a 13-yard touchdown pass to Michael Schurman at 10:49. Jayden Washington’s consistent ground efforts culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:20 remaining, extending the lead to 14-0. A key defensive moment came when Levi Daniel recovered a fumble at the Warriors’ 41-yard line, setting the tone for a strong opening quarter.

The second quarter opened with Bemidji State capitalizing on a penalty by WSU, which set up a drive that ended in a 28-yard field goal by Connor Mantelli, extending their lead to 17-0 at 9:37. Carver connected with Schurman and Imarion Kelly on consecutive passes for key first downs during the drive. The Warriors responded late in the quarter, with a precise drive culminating in a touchdown pass from Jackson Flottmeyer to Joe Sikma, narrowing the gap to 17-7 with 14 seconds remaining.

The third quarter began with a strategic kickoff by Mantelli, pinning WSU deep, but Bemidji State’s defense struggled to contain a series of short passes and a decisive 29-yard completion, leading to a Warriors touchdown at 6:33. Carver then orchestrated a drive, completing key passes to Drayton Lehman and Sam Kanne, yet the effort fell short as Bemidji State’s momentum was halted by a fumble in the final minute. Despite the setback, Washington contributed significantly with a series of rushes totaling 17 yards.

The fourth quarter began with WSU executing a methodical drive, culminating in a 32-yard touchdown run by Anthony Powell at 9:20, extending their lead. Bemidji State’s offense responded with a determined march down the field, highlighted by Carver’s 22-yard completion to Zavery Guerra and a key 12-yard rush on fourth down to keep the drive alive. However, a late sack and fumble at the 18-yard line halted Bemidji State’s comeback attempt, sealing a 21-17 victory for the Warriors.

Carver led the offense with 125 passing yards and a touchdown on 14 completions out of 26 attempts, adding 123 rushing yards on 21 carries. Schurman contributed to the aerial attack with three receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. Washington added 54 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Defensively, Owen Dukowitz and Daniel each recorded seven tackles, with Daniel also recovering a fumble.

Bemidji State fell to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Bemidji State will host the University of Sioux Falls on Saturday, September 13, at Chet Anderson Stadium for the team’s home opener. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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