MINOT, ND – On a cold, windy day in a meeting between a pair of instate rivals, the defenses dominated in the Battle for the Big Lake between visiting University of Mary and Minot State University. Both teams found limited scoring opportunities in a 17-10 Beavers win that wasn't secured until the closing seconds.
The Marauders limited the Beavers to just 240 total yards – 59 through the air - and 14 first downs, the fewest totals UMary has allowed this season in all three categories.
Offensively the Marauders generated 275 yards of total offense, 228 passing yards and 18 first downs but a season-high four turnovers was too much to overcome.
Minot State opened the scoring in the second quarter but UMary immediately responded. Starting at the Marauders 25,
Logan Nelson drove UMary down the field 75 yards on 16 plays to tie the game 7-7 with 25 seconds left in the first half. Completing a clutch pass to
Jaden Andresen for 15 yards on a 4
th-and-10 play at the MSU 19, Nelson found Andresen in the end zone two plays later for an 8 yard TD strike. The epic drive took 7:20 off the clock.
The Marauders momentum didn't carry over to the second half as UMary turned the ball over on their first two possessions. The Beavers converted the second turnover into a 28 yard touchdown run by Ben Bolinske with 6:21 left in the third quarter for a 14-7 lead.
On their next possession, the Marauders drove to the Beavers 22 yard line when Nelson connected with
Collin Gapen for 17 yards on a 4th-and-8 play for UMary. The drive ended on a pair of sacks and an incompletion.
The Beavers had an opportunity to put the game away on their next drive but Ali Mohamed fumbled the ball at the UMary goal line. Forced by
Mason Phillips, Reginal Morrow recovered the ball at the one yard line.
After stopping the Marauders on their next two possessions, the Beavers added a field goal with 38 seconds left.
Kevin Powell delivered a season long 43 yard field goal with five seconds remaining in the game but an hopes of a miraculous comeback ended when the Beavers recovered the subsequent on side kick.
Nelson finished with 228 yards passing and a touchdown.
Dave Small Jr. gained 48 yards on the ground.
Danny Kittner caught seven passes for 73 yards and returned a kick for 48 yards. Overall eight different Marauders caught passes.
Grant Collins had 2.0 tackles for loss, including a sack. Morrow had a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery.
Devyn Charles registered eight tackles (three solo) and shared a tackle for loss.
Jamire Jackson also had eight tackles, including a team-high five solo stops.
Mason Phillips had seven tackles, shared a tackle for loss and forced a fumble.
Bolinske led the Beavers with 69 yards rushing and also passed for 27. Mohamed added 54 yards on the ground. Logan Krueger had two sacks and forced a fumble.
The Marauders close out the 2022 season at home for Senior Day against Bemidji State University. Game time is 2 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl on Saturday, November 12.
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