By Tyler Christiansen
BSU Associate Director of Athletics for Media and External Relations
BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Football team overpowered University
of Jamestown 47-25 Saturday at Chet Anderson Stadium in the team’s first meeting
since 1956 after the Jimmies joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference this
past summer. Bemidji St. executed a balanced offensive attack, highlighted by four
passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns. BSU secured 475 total offensive
yards, with 240 yards on the ground. Despite Jamestown’s attempt to rally with 25
points, including two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, the Gang Green
defense held strong, forcing one interception and recording three sacks.
Jake Hill recorded three touchdown receptions on four catches, totaling 57 yards.
Antonio Brown led the ground attack with 108 rushing yards on 15 carries, including
one touchdown. Bart McAninch completed 20-of-23 passes for 216 yards and four
touchdowns, showcasing efficiency in the passing game. On defense, Tyler Sapit
contributed with five total tackles and one sack, adding pressure to the opposing
offense.
Bemidji State opened the first quarter with momentum after Drayton Lehman’s 72-yard
kickoff return set the stage for an early offensive drive. McAninch connected with
Hill for a 17-yard touchdown at 13:10, securing a 7-0 lead after Connor Mantelli’s
extra point. Maintaining pressure, BSU capitalized again when McAninch found Hill
for a second touchdown, this time a 15-yard pass with 7:11 left on the clock. The
subsequent extra point was blocked, but Bemidji St. ended the quarter leading 13-0
over the Jimmies.
Bemidji State capitalized on its offensive momentum early in the second quarter,
highlighted by Antonio Brown’s impressive rushing performance. Brown’s 27-yard run
brought Bemidji State to the 2-yard line, where he scored a touchdown, extending the
lead to 20-0. Later, McAninch connected with Hill for a 22-yard pass, resulting in
another touchdown and a 27-0 advantage at 9:33. Despite the Jimmies’ efforts,
including a 27-yard field goal and a late touchdown by Zach Hammett, they could not
bridge the gap. Bemidji State maintained control, ending the first half with a
decisive 27-10 lead.
In the third quarter, the Beavers solidified control over the game with two scoring
drives. Isaiah Tisdle’s 18-yard touchdown run at 8:14 established a significant
lead. Later, McAninch connected with Drayton Lehman for a 25-yard touchdown pass,
further extending the advantage. Mantelli added two successful extra points,
contributing to the 14 points scored in the quarter. Jamestown struggled to respond,
as their efforts were stymied by BSU’s defense, which recorded a sack and several
quarterback hurries.
In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State extended their lead with a decisive 25-yard
touchdown run by Zach Romak with just one second remaining on the clock, sealing
their victory. Earlier in the quarter, Mitch Olson’s strong rushing performance was
highlighted by a series of gains, totaling 38 yards on the drive, although it ended
with a turnover on downs. Jamestown managed to score twice in the period, but the
Beavers’ defense, including a pivotal interception by Prentise Powell, maintained
control. The game concluded with Bemidji State defeating Jamestown with a final
score of 47-25 to secure its third straight victory.
Bemidji State now holds a record of 3-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play while
Jamestown falls to 1-6 both overall and in conference games.
The next challenge for Bemidji State is set for Saturday, November 1, as they travel
to Moorhead, Minn., to take on Minnesota State University Moorhead. Kickoff is at 12
p.m.