By Kristin Farris
BSU Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Bemidji State University football (3-6) fell to Minnesota State
University Moorhead (6-3) in a 49-21 defeat at Scheels Field at Nemzek Stadium. The
loss handed the Battle Axe traveling trophy over to MSUM for the first time since
2018.
The first quarter began with Bemidji State receiving the kickoff and promptly
initiating their drive at their own 32-yard line. Despite an initial series of
steady gains, the drive stalled at midfield, leading to a strategic 49-yard punt by
Connor Mantelli that pinned MSUM at their 1-yard line. The Dragons quickly responded
with a 99-yard drive capped by a 76-yard touchdown pass from Jack Strand to Brady
Perryman, giving them an early lead. This was just the beginning of an extraordinary
performance by Strand, who went on to set a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
record for touchdown passes in a game with seven.
Bemidji State answered back with a balanced offensive push, highlighted by Mitch
Olson’s 28-yard rush and Connor Carver’s 25-yard carry, driving deep into Dragon
territory. Bart McAninch then connected with Jake Hill for a 19-yard touchdown pass,
and Mantelli’s successful extra point tied the game at 7-7 as the quarter concluded.
Bemidji State faced a challenging second quarter as MSUM extended their lead early
with two touchdown passes by Strand. Bemidji State’s defense managed to halt a drive
with an interception by Gabe Ward at the 4:50 mark, giving their offense a chance to
respond. Antonio Brown’s 9-yard run set up a crucial touchdown pass from McAninch to
Hill with 1:24 remaining, narrowing the deficit to 21-14. However, the Dragons
quickly retaliated, scoring another touchdown to end the quarter with a 28-14 lead.
Bemidji State began the third quarter with Mantelli’s 65-yard kickoff, but McKale
Pierson’s 38-yard return brought MSUM to their own 38-yard line. The Bemidji State
defense made a crucial stop when Ward broke up a fourth-and-one pass at the Bemidji
State 31-yard line, resulting in a turnover on downs. However, Bemidji State
struggled offensively, with McAninch throwing an interception to Gavin Jarchow,
giving MSUM possession at their own 46-yard line.
Despite a defensive sack by Joey Funderburk, Bemidji State could not capitalize, and
the Dragons’ Strand connected with Carson Elbert for a short touchdown pass,
extending the home team’s lead. A subsequent interception thrown by McAninch and a
series of penalties stifled any further progress.
Bemidji State’s final quarter was highlighted by a late scoring drive that saw Zach
Romak connect with Lucas Peterson for a 17-yard touchdown pass with just 27 seconds
remaining on the clock. Olson contributed on the ground, amassing 10 yards on
consecutive carries to help move the chains. Despite this effort, Bemidji State’s
defense was unable to hold back the Dragons, who expanded their lead earlier in the
period with two touchdowns. The game concluded with MSUM securing a decisive 49-21
victory over Bemidji State.
Jake Hill recorded five receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Mitch Olson
contributed with 77 rushing yards on 13 attempts. Quarterback Bart McAninch
completed 11 of 19 passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns, despite throwing three
interceptions. Gabe Ward made an impact on defense with four tackles and an
interception.
Bemidji State is 3-6 overall and holds a 3-5 record in conference play. The Beavers
will face the No. 13/10 University of Minnesota Duluth next Saturday in Duluth,
Minn., at 12 p.m. BSU closes its season on Nov. 15 against the University of Mary at
home at Chet Anderson Stadium with a 1 p.m. kickoff.