By Tyler Christiansen
BSU Assistant Director of Media Relations
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University edged out the Bemidji State University Football
team with a 28-21 victory Saturday afternoon at Herb Parker Stadium in Minot, N.D.
The Beavers totaled 268 of their 426 total yards in the game in the second half to
attempt to overcome a 21-7 first-half deficit but fell just short of a comeback.
Bart McAninch completed 21-of-29 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown. Connor
Carver recorded 101 rushing yards on eight carries, scoring one touchdown. Drayton
Lehman caught nine passes for 112 yards, leading his team in receiving. On defense,
Gabe Ward led with 10 total tackles.
The first quarter began with Bemidji State kicking off to Minot State, which started
their drive at their own 11-yard line. Minot State capitalized on a series of
rushing plays, highlighted by a 40-yard run from Sam Buckhanan and a pivotal 15-yard
touchdown rush by Carson Chrisman at 4:50, followed by a successful extra point by
Brandon McCary, putting them ahead 7-0. Bemidji State responded with an efficient
passing drive, with McAninch connecting with Lucas Peterson for a nine-yard
touchdown pass at 00:59. Connor Mantelli’s extra point tied the game at 7-7 to close
the quarter.
Minot State extended their lead in the second quarter with a series of successful
rushing plays, starting with Evan Lovett’s 1-yard touchdown run at 10:13, which
followed a sustained drive primarily on the ground. McCary converted the extra
point, pushing the score to 14–7. The Beavers continued to dominate the period with
Gage Cavanaugh’s 6-yard touchdown rush with 1:18 remaining, bringing the score to
21–7 after another successful PAT by McCary. BSU attempted a late rally, advancing
to Minot State’s 14-yard line, but a fumble by McAninch at the goal line ended their
promising drive.
BSU surged in the third quarter, overcoming a deficit to tie the game 21-21.
Carver’s dynamic rushing helped with a 39-yard run early and a critical 36-yard
touchdown run at the 1:00 mark. Isaiah Tisdle added another touchdown with a 14-yard
rush, punctuating an efficient 75-yard drive at 11:32. McAninch’s passing
contributed key completions, including a 13-yard pass to Imarion Kelly, sustaining
offensive momentum. Minot’s offense struggled to capitalize on their possession,
missing a 54-yard field goal attempt with 5:47 remaining.
In the fourth quarter, Minot State’s defense secured a victory over BSU with a
pivotal interception. As Bemidji attempted to close the gap, McAninch’s pass was
intercepted by Nalu Cordeiro at Bemidji’s 49-yard line, which Cordeiro returned for
a 49-yard touchdown with 1:46 remaining. McCary’s successful extra point extended
Minot State’s lead to 28-21. Despite BSU’s subsequent drive reaching Minot’s 6-yard
line, another interception by Cordeiro nullified their scoring opportunity,
cementing Minot State’s win.
Bemidji State falls to 0-5 overall and remains winless in Northern Sun
Intercollegiate Conference play at 0-4. The Beavers improve to 1-4 overall with a
1-3 record in conference action.
Looking ahead, Bemidji State hosts Northern State University at Chet Anderson
Stadium on Saturday, October 4 for Homecoming weekend. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.