BISMARCK, ND –
DeShawn Gay twice found the end zone for the University of Mary but the sophomore receiver's efforts on offense and special teams couldn't offset the big play capabilities of Southwest Minnesota State University in the visiting Mustangs 54-24 win over the Marauders.
Gay caught seven passed for 107 yards and two scores, catching touchdown passes of 64 and 8 yards. He also returned seven kicks for 157 yards.
Taking advantage of a fumble by the Mustangs forced by
Kendall Grier and recovered by
Ryan Nielsen, the Marauders drove 34 yards in six plays to open the scoring midway through the first quarter.
Colton Farmer crashed the end zone from 8 yards out to cap the drive and provide UMary a 7-0 lead.
It was the first fumble opponent's fumble recovered by the Marauders this season.
Immediately the Mustangs responded as Blake Kimbel connected with Daniel Davis on a 38 yard scoring pass to knot the game 7-7. It was the first of five touchdown passes for Kimbel in the game.
On SMSU's next possession, Kimbel and Daniels combined for a 64 yard touchdown pass and SMSU led 14-7 after the first quarter.
After the Mustangs tacked on another score, the Marauders returned to the end zone.
Jason Hoekstra connected on a short curl pass to Gay who quickly turned and outraced the entire Mustangs defense to the end zone for a 64 yard touchdown, pulling the Marauders within 20-14.
The momentum continued to go the Marauders way. Max Askew forced a fumble recovered by
Noah Krebs at the Mustangs 27 yard line put UMary in position to score but the Marauders were stopped on fourth down at the visitor's 2 yard line.
Following another defensive stop, the Marauders took over at their own 42 yard line but immediately fumbled the ball away. The Mustangs then took control of the game, scoring on their next two possessions to lead 33-14 at intermission.
The Mustangs virtually clinched the game on the first offensive play of the second half when Max Simmons sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown.
The Marauders finished strong, scoring the last ten points of the game.
Brody Riggs connected on a 40 yard field goal and Gay caught an 8 yard scoring pass from Hoekstra.
Farmer led the Marauders ground game with 47 yards.
Bryan Lumsden added 31 yards.
Bailey Meyer averaged 43.2 yards/punt and downed three attempts inside the 20 yard line.
The Marauders had a season-high four sacks.
Grady Blewett led the way with 1.5 sacks. Askew had two tackles for loss, including a sack.
Shae Ratkovich had 11 tackles – including 2.5 for loss, to lead the Mustangs defense. Simons had 119 yards rushing. Gimbel completed 21-of-31 passes for 356 yards and five scores. He also ran for a touchdown. Davis caught three passes for 148 yards and two scores.
After two straight home games the Marauders hit the road and will visit Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 6.
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