CROOKSTON, Minn. (Ed Widseth Field) – The Bemidji State University football team used a fast start for the third straight game to take its rivalry game against University of Minnesota, Crookston, 41-7. The Beavers earn the “Hubcap” for the 11th time while moving to 3-3 overall and 2-0 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North Division play.
The Beavers running game propelled the team to a quick start in a big day on the ground. BSU controlled the ball through the first half, creating enough separation to earn a comfortable and third-straight win. Running back Gena Adams headed the rushing attack with 155 yards and one touchdown.
“(Having a quick start) gives you a lot of momentum and makes it hard on them (Minnesota, Crookston),” Head Coach Jeff Tesch said. “That is what we thought we needed to do again and either we get lucky or we’ve got a good game plan (scoring on the first two plays for the third straight game). One of the two.”
“Those kids have been playing well of late and I think (Jordan Hein) pulled it down and ran well too. We threw some nice balls in there too…The (defense) played well again for I don’t know how many games in a row and there’s a key there. Probably about the only disappointing thing was just that third quarter. We came out and had some turnovers, flat offensively a bit. It’s kind of interesting, a new challenge to come out and play better in that.”
On the first Golden Eagles offensive play of the day, defensive lineman Mario Stephens stripped the runner and recovered to give the Beavers offense a short field. For the third straight game, BSU took advantage of a short field by scoring on two plays or less. Running back Tahi Nomane opened scoring for the Beavers for the second straight game, as well, this time a 19-yard rush.
The “Gang Green” defense, taking mid-season form, forced the Golden Eagles to back-to-back three-and-outs after the opening turnover. The second punt allowed the Beavers to drive 43 yards, as quarterback Jordan Hein threw to receiver Vince Dinkel from 10 yards out for the second score of the day.
Adams rushed for 102 of his 155 total yards on the day in the first quarter, including a career-long 60-yard rush. As Adams was sprinting for the end zone with defenders chasing, he leapt for the pylon, but was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the dive. Adams eventually scored the touchdown for the Beavers’ third of the day.
The Beavers scored following two more Golden Eagles three-and-outs in the first half, a seven-yard passing touchdown from Hein to Christian Lunde followed by a 23-yard touchdown run by Hein to set the halftime score at 34-0.
BSU owned two second-half offensive possessions before the second-string offense entered the game. The Beavers drove to within the Golden Eagles’ 30-yard line during both drives, fumbling on both opportunities. Following the second turnover, a fumble at UMC’s one-yard line, defensive back Damon Benham got the ball back with an interception returned for a touchdown. The 16-yard pick-six is the Beavers’ second in two weeks.
The Golden Eagles later connected for a passing touchdown for their only score of the game, as the Beavers continued on for the 41-7 win.
The Beavers finished with 394 total yards compared to 229 for the Golden Eagles. The “Gang Green” defense allowed just 43 yards rushing and forced three turnovers. BSU has outscored its past three opponents, 127-21.
Hein finished throwing 10-of-20 for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Adams rushed 13 times for a career-high 155 yards and one touchdown. The rushing output is the first instance of a Beaver exceeding 150 yards on the ground since Avery Walker rushed for 194 yards Nov. 16, 2013 at Minot State.
Linebacker Jamison Evans led both teams in tackling with seven total. Three Beavers recorded a sack while Alex Burgess and Dylan Ellingson assisted in a sack. Benham and Olszewski each recorded interceptions while Stephens recorded a forced fumble and recovery.
Bemidji State continues a two-game road trip next week while traveling to Minnesota State University Moorhead. The Beavers and Dragons will play for The Battle Axe at 2 p.m. in Moorhead, Minn., on Scheels Field.
Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
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