BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Football team overpowered University of Jamestown 47-25 Saturday at Chet Anderson Stadium in the team's first meeting since 1956 after the Jimmies joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference this past summer. Bemidji St. executed a balanced offensive attack, highlighted by four passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns. BSU secured 475 total offensive yards, with 240 yards on the ground. Despite Jamestown's attempt to rally with 25 points, including two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, the Gang Green defense held strong, forcing one interception and recording three sacks.
 
Jake Hill recorded three touchdown receptions on four catches, totaling 57 yards. Antonio Brown led the ground attack with 108 rushing yards on 15 carries, including one touchdown. Bart McAninch completed 20-of-23 passes for 216 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing efficiency in the passing game. On defense, Tyler Sapit contributed with five total tackles and one sack, adding pressure to the opposing offense.
 
Bemidji State opened the first quarter with momentum after Drayton Lehman's 72-yard kickoff return set the stage for an early offensive drive. McAninch connected with Hill for a 17-yard touchdown at 13:10, securing a 7-0 lead after Connor Mantelli's extra point. Maintaining pressure, BSU capitalized again when McAninch found Hill for a second touchdown, this time a 15-yard pass with 7:11 left on the clock. The subsequent extra point was blocked, but Bemidji St. ended the quarter leading 13-0 over the Jimmies.
 
Bemidji State capitalized on its offensive momentum early in the second quarter, highlighted by Antonio Brown's impressive rushing performance. Brown's 27-yard run brought Bemidji State to the 2-yard line, where he scored a touchdown, extending the lead to 20-0. Later, McAninch connected with Hill for a 22-yard pass, resulting in another touchdown and a 27-0 advantage at 9:33. Despite the Jimmies' efforts, including a 27-yard field goal and a late touchdown by Zach Hammett, they could not bridge the gap. Bemidji State maintained control, ending the first half with a decisive 27-10 lead.
 
In the third quarter, the Beavers solidified control over the game with two scoring drives. Isaiah Tisdle's 18-yard touchdown run at 8:14 established a significant lead. Later, McAninch connected with Drayton Lehman for a 25-yard touchdown pass, further extending the advantage. Mantelli added two successful extra points, contributing to the 14 points scored in the quarter. Jamestown struggled to respond, as their efforts were stymied by BSU's defense, which recorded a sack and several quarterback hurries.
 
In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State extended their lead with a decisive 25-yard touchdown run by Zach Romak with just one second remaining on the clock, sealing their victory. Earlier in the quarter, Mitch Olson's strong rushing performance was highlighted by a series of gains, totaling 38 yards on the drive, although it ended with a turnover on downs. Jamestown managed to score twice in the period, but the Beavers' defense, including a pivotal interception by Prentise Powell, maintained control. The game concluded with Bemidji State defeating Jamestown with a final score of 47-25 to secure its third straight victory.
 
Bemidji State now holds a record of 3-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play while Jamestown falls to 1-6 both overall and in conference games.
 
The next challenge for Bemidji State is set for Saturday, November 1, as they travel to Moorhead, Minn., to take on Minnesota State University Moorhead. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State football program, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow 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 hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association 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).
 
--bsu—