BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Football team edged Northern State University 24-21 Saturday at Chet Anderson Stadium during their Homecoming 2025 celebration capping-off festivities with a jump in Lake Bemidji. Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter before exchanging touchdowns in the second. Bemidji State took a narrow lead with a field goal in the third quarter. The decisive moment came in the fourth when Bemidji State scored two touchdowns, including a 51-yard rushing touchdown, to secure the victory despite Northern State's late scoring effort.
 
Jake Hill contributed significantly to the offensive effort with four receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. Connor Carver made an impact both on the ground and through the air, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries while completing a single pass for 44 yards and another touchdown. Jayden Washington boosted the ground game with 63 rushing yards on 12 carries, adding a touchdown. On the defensive side, L'Shawn Taylor led with eight total tackles, while Jeremiah Robinson added value in the secondary with one interception.
 
The first quarter began with Bemidji State receiving the kickoff after NSU deferred. Bemidji State's initial drive was halted, resulting in a punt after three plays. The defensive unit of Bemidji State then delivered a key stop, taking advantage of a turnover on downs at their own 36-yard line.
 
Bemidji State's offense responded with a productive drive, highlighted by a 19-yard pass from Bart McAninch to Drayton Lehman. However, progress was interrupted by an interception near the NSU 15-yard line. The defense held firm again, forcing NSU to punt, and Bemidji State regained possession late in the quarter. The period closed with Bemidji State moving the ball into NSU territory, but both teams remained scoreless at the end of the first quarter.
 
Bemidji State opened the second quarter with a decisive drive, highlighted by Connor Carver's 20-yard rush and Jayden Washington's 1-yard touchdown run, putting the home team ahead 7-0. On the ensuing possession, the Wolves advanced to the Bemidji State 13-yard line but were thwarted by a critical defensive stand, including a tackle for loss by Tavon Rice, culminating in a missed 36-yard field goal attempt.
 
Bemidji State's subsequent drive was halted by consecutive sacks, forcing a punt. NSU capitalized on their final possession, executing a swift 81-yard drive capped by a 35-yard touchdown pass from Brock Bagozzi to Louie Schwabe as time expired. The first half concluded with the score tied at 7-7.
 
The third quarter began with a pivotal defensive stand for Bemidji State, as Reese Sheldon deflected a deep pass attempt by NSU, preventing an early score. On the ensuing drive, NSU advanced to the Bemidji State 25-yard line but failed to convert a 43-yard field goal attempt, keeping the score unchanged.
 
Bemidji State's offensive efforts were highlighted by a sustained drive downfield, featuring a critical 11-yard pass from Bart McAninch to Imarion Kelly, setting up a scoring opportunity. Connor Mantelli capitalized with a successful 40-yard field goal, extending Bemidji State's lead. As the quarter concluded, the home team maintained their advantage, leading 10-7.
 
Northern State opened the fourth quarter with a sustained drive, overcoming multiple penalties before Trey Birdsong's 3-yard touchdown run at 10:09 gave them a 14-10 lead. Bemidji State quickly responded as Connor Carver's 51-yard touchdown run reclaimed the lead, making it 17-14 after a successful extra point by Connor Mantelli.
 
Following a Northern State drive ending in a turnover, Jeremiah Robinson's interception at 3:41 set up Bemidji State's offense. Bemidji State capitalized on the short field, with Carver connecting with Jake Hill for a 44-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 24-14 with 1:47 remaining. Despite a late touchdown by Northern State, Bemidji State secured a 24-21 victory as the game concluded.
 
Bemidji State earned its first win of the season moving to 1-5 and 1-4 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play while the Wolves fall to 3-2 (3-2 NSIC).
 
The Beavers will next travel to Wayne, Neb., for a NSIC matchup at Wayne State College Saturday, Oct. 11.
 
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).
 
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