WAYNE, Neb. — Bemidji State University Football (2-5) edged out Wayne State College (3-4) with a 26-21 victory at Memorial Stadium, highlighted by a 71-yard rushing touchdown from Connor Carver. Today's game marked a first in program history, as it was the first time the final score ended at 26-21.
 
Bemidji State opened the first quarter with a strong offensive drive, highlighted by Bart McAninch's deep 37-yard pass to Jake Hill, setting up good field position. However, an interception halted the momentum early. The defense responded by sacking Wayne State's quarterback Brady McGill for a 2-yard loss, ultimately forcing a punt. Bemidji State regained possession and quickly capitalized with a 49-yard pass from McAninch to Hill, leading to Connor Carver's 38-yard touchdown run, taking a 7-0 lead. Wayne State answered with a touchdown drive of their own, but Bemidji State responded immediately with Carver's 71-yard touchdown run, regaining the lead at 14-7. The quarter concluded with Bemidji State in front, maintaining their advantage.
 
Bemidji State opened the second quarter by converting a crucial fourth down with Carver's 5-yard rush, extending the drive. This momentum led to a 21-yard field goal by Connor Mantelli, pushing the score to 17-7. Wayne State responded with a touchdown drive, narrowing the gap to 17-14. Bemidji State quickly countered as McAninch connected with Carver for a 70-yard, quarterback-to-quarterback touchdown pass, re-establishing a 10-point lead at 24-14. Defensive resilience was showcased when Yanis Kasende intercepted a pass from McGill, halting Wayne State's momentum. The quarter concluded with Bemidji State maintaining their 24-14 advantage after forcing a turnover on downs deep in their territory.
 
The third quarter commenced with Wayne State quickly narrowing the lead, as Dawson Forgy completed a 64-yard rush that set up a touchdown on the ground. This brought the score to 24-21, with the Beavers maintaining a slim advantage. Bemidji St. responded with a promising drive initiated by McAninch's 34-yard pass to Hill, advancing the ball into WSC territory. However, the drive stalled at the Wildcats' 31-yard line, resulting in a turnover on downs. The defense then held firm, with Gabe Ward and Kasende contributing key tackles to force Wayne State to turn over the ball on downs at the BSU 27-yard line. Despite a subsequent Bemidji St. drive that advanced to midfield, the quarter concluded with Bemidji St. still leading by three, 24-21.
 
The fourth quarter opened with Bemidji State converting a critical third down thanks to Antonio Brown's 2-yard rush, setting the tone for the quarter. The defense then made a significant impact when Caden Bolte tackled Wayne State's Forgy in the end zone, securing a safety and extending Bemidji State's lead to 26-21. Bemidji State's offense continued to push, highlighted by a 17-yard completion from McAninch to Drayton Lehman. Although the drive stalled, Mantelli's punt was instrumental in maintaining field position. A decisive moment came late in the quarter when Ryan Robbins forced a fumble on a punt return, recovered by Ethan Biehn, allowing Bemidji State to retain possession and manage the clock effectively. With a strong defensive stand and strategic ball control, Bemidji State closed out the game, preserving the 26-21 victory over the Wildcats.
 
McAninch passed for 285 yards, completing 15 of 27 attempts with one touchdown. Carver had 119 rushing yards on five carries with two touchdowns, and he also caught a 70-yard touchdown pass. Hill contributed significantly to the passing game, collecting 129 receiving yards on four receptions. On the defensive end, Bolte made an impact with five tackles, an interception, and a safety, while Kasende added another interception to the team's efforts.
 
Bemidji State improved to 2-5 overall and 2-4 in conference play following their win. Wayne State fell to 3-4 overall and 3-3 in the conference standings.
 
Looking ahead, Bemidji State will take a bye week break next Saturday. They will then host the University of Jamestown on October 25 at Chet Anderson Stadium for the annual Hall of Fame Game . Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with streaming available on the NSIC Network and on the Beaver Radio Network. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Football program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversFB).
 
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 Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).