Box Score Bismarck, ND – The University of Mary scored first and last but Bemidji State University dominated the middle. The Beavers scored 29 straight points to defeat the homestanding Marauders 29-21 in Northern Sun football.
 
The Marauders (3-3 overall, 3-3 NSIC, 0-2 NSIC North) didn't lack for scoring opportunities in the game, turning the ball over on downs at the Beavers (3-3, 3-3, 2-0) two yard line. The Beavers also intercepted Marauders passes at the BSU goal line, the 17 and the 13 yard lines to thwart potential U-Mary drives.
 
Preston Tescher's first collegiate interception for the Marauders killed the Beavers opening drive of the game. U-Mary quickly took advantage of the opportunity, driving 85 yards in 10 plays for a score. Elby Pope hauled in a Zach Roberson pass for the touchdown reception and U-Mary led 7-0 at 7:02 of the first quarter. Pope started the drive off with a 26 yard run. He also had a 16 yard reception.
 
The Beavers responded immediately, marching 75 yards on 13 plays. Dustin Kroeplin crashed the end zone from two yards out but a missed extra point kept U-Mary in front 7-6.
 
After forcing U-Mary to punt on its next possession, Bemidji State took the lead when Lance Rongstad and Justin Lee collaborated on a 45 yard touchdown strike, moving ahead 13-7 early in the second quarter.
 
Another three-and-out by the Marauders set the Beavers up again for another quick score. This time Rongstad found Brent Zondziolka for a 42 yard touchdown pass and a 20-7 lead.
 
The Beavers scored on their fourth straight possession when Rongstad ran the ball into the end zone from 15 yards out, pushing their advantage to 26-7 with 3:21 remaining before intermission. The 57 yard drive was keyed by a 32 yard pass reception by Lee.
 
An unforced fumble by Rongstad late in the first half gave the Marauders the ball at the BSU 28 yard line with 35 seconds left and chance to cut into the deficit but Dylan Valentine intercepted a Roberson pass at the goal line.
 
After regrouping at intermission, the Marauders drove the opening kickoff 88 yards to the Beavers two yard line but Bemidji State held strong to keep U-Mary out of the end zone.
 
The Beavers pushed their advantage to 29-7 on a Zach Pulkinen 32 yard field goal with 13:27 remaining in the contest.
 
The Marauders finally ended the Beavers scoring run when Roberson connected with Tyler Steffan in the end zone from 11 yards out. It was the 27^th touchdown reception for Steffan in his career and made the score 29-13 after the extra point attempt failed.
 
Hoping to cut further into the deficit, Roberson drove the Marauders to the BSU 19 but was picked off at the three yard line by Charles Hrdlicka.
 
After forcing the Beavers to punt, the Marauders worked their way to the BSU 26. The drive ended on a Larry Miller interception at the 15 yard line.
 
Refusing to go away, Scott Maldonado blocked a Beavers punt. The ball was picked up by Adam Woroniecki and returned six yards to the end zone for his first collegiate touchdown. Following a two-point conversion when Roberson found DJ Young in the end zone, U-Mary trailed 29-21 with 2:13 in the game.
 
The Marauders last chance ended when the on-side kick failed to travel the required 10 yards and the Beavers ran out the clock.
 
For the third straight game Pope passed the century mark in receiving yardage. Making a career-high 10 catches, the sophomore wideout covered 123 yards and scored once. He also ran the ball 26 yards on a lone carry.
 
Bryan Sandy caught six passes for 46 yards.
 
In his second career start, Roberson again passed for over 300 yards. He connected on 28-of-44 passes for 307 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.
 
Gary Gellerman led the Marauders defense with 11 tackles (three solo). John Oyloe added eight stops, including 1.5 for loss. Mikey Ingemansen and Grant Singer both had sacks for U-Mary as the Marauders posted three in the game.
 
Rongstad was the dominant player for the Beavers. He completed 16-of-24 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for 48 yards and a score.
 
Kroeplin ground out 113 yards and a touchdown Brian Leonhardt caught seven passes for 93 yards. Lee had three for 87.
 
JJ Reinke led the Beavers defense with 2.5 tackles for loss.
 
The Marauders now return to the road, scheduled to play at St. Cloud State University on Saturday, October 13.
 
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