BISMARCK, ND – Taking on their biggest challenge of the season, the University of Mary football team gave #9/#7 Bemidji State University more than it bargained for in a hard-hitting first half. The field tilted the way of the visiting Beavers in the second half as Bemidji State claimed a 41-10 win over UMary.
After a quick touchdown on the opening drive of the game for the Beavers, the Marauders immediately responded. Keyed by a 41 yard kick return by
Jaxon Feller, a pair of catches by
Mujeeb Rufai and a run
Jeremiah Moore 2 yard run to convert a 4
th down and 1,
Kevin Powell converted a 32 yard field goal to close the gap to 7-3.
The Marauders defense forced the Beavers to punt on their next possession as
Seth Jarrett broke up a 3
rd down pass attempt. Bemidji State came back to drive the field on their subsequent possession to claim a 14-3 lead with 2:28 left in the opening period.
A Beavers miscue led to the Marauders next score. Following a muffed punt recovered by
Jaxon Young at the BSU 26,
Sofian Massoud found
Traivon Dyson down the middle of the field for a 16 yard gain. Two plays later Massoud connected with Cristian Arteaga in the end zone for a 2 yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 14-10 with 8:21 remaining in the first half.
Bemidji State retaliated quickly, driving 58 yards on seven plays with Sage Booker scoring on a 5 yard run to build a 20-10 lead at half. A pair of touchdowns in the third quarter and one more in the fourth capped the game for Bemidji State, UMary's highest ranked opponent since playing #3 Minnesota State University on October 19, 2019.
Moore led the Marauders attack with 32 yards rushing and 54 yards on 10 catches, including a 25 yard reception. Rufai added 60 yards on nine catches and Dyon had 44 yards on two catches.
Massoud finished with 104 yards passing and a touchdown on nine completions.
Jarrett led the UMary defense with six tackles (five solo) and a pass breakup.
Estevan Quintana also had six stops, all solo.
Mason Phillips had the lone sack for UMary.
Jason Stoddard forced and recovered a fumble that he returned 44 yards.
Powell was involved in all aspects of the game. In addition to converting on his lone field goal and extra point attempts, he had a tackle, completed a pass for 25 yards and averaged 33.1 yards on eight punts, downing one inside the opponent's 20 yard line.
Brandon Alt completed 14-of-24 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns for Bemidji State. Dhel Duncan-Busby and Mike Wandmaker both had two touchdown catches. Max Buduriss finished with 2.5 tackles for loss and 11 total tackles.
For the third time in four games the Marauders won the turnover battle. UMary recovered two BSU fumbles and did not commit a turnover.
The Marauders next return to the road, visiting Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday, Sept. 30. Kickoff is 12 noon. UMary is next home Oct. 7.
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