Jesse Forknell is this week's North Dakota Petroleum Foundation Male Athlete of the Week. Making his first career start for the Marauders Saturday afternoon, Forknell led UMary to their first victory of the 2022 season against Northern State in a thrilling overtime finish 27-26. Forknell was solid in the pocket throwing for 264 yards, 18-30 passing, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. Forknell helped set up the first score with a huge 55 yard connection to Traivon Dyson in the second quarter. After trailing the Wolves 20-6 at halftime, Forknell got the Marauder offense rolling in the second half. With 5:02 to go in the 3rd quarter, Forknell hit Luke Bodine from 12 yards out for his first touchdown on the season to make the score 20-13. Late in the fourth quarter, Forknell drove the Marauders on a massive 17 play, 85 yard drive capped off with a 19 touchdown pass on 3rd and goal to Collin Gapen to tie the ball game 20-20, and later forcing overtime. The Marauders would go on defense first and though they would give up a Wolves touchdown, Ian Kopf would block the extra point to make the score 26-20. On the second play of the offensive drive, Forknell would line up as a receiver and get the handoff on a reverse before he lobbed a perfect placed ball to Collin Gapen in the corner of the end zone for the score. Kevin Powell's PAT would then follow for the game-winner in overtime 27-26. Forknell, a sophomore from Fargo, ND, would also earn NSIC offensive player of the week honors for his performance.Â
