MOORHEAD, Minn. — Bemidji State University football (3-6) fell to Minnesota State University Moorhead (6-3) in a 49-21 defeat at Scheels Field at Nemzek Stadium. The loss handed the Battle Axe traveling trophy over to MSUM for the first time since 2018. 
 
The first quarter began with Bemidji State receiving the kickoff and promptly initiating their drive at their own 32-yard line. Despite an initial series of steady gains, the drive stalled at midfield, leading to a strategic 49-yard punt by Connor Mantelli that pinned MSUM at their 1-yard line. The Dragons quickly responded with a 99-yard drive capped by a 76-yard touchdown pass from Jack Strand to Brady Perryman, giving them an early lead. This was just the beginning of an extraordinary performance by Strand, who went on to set a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference record for touchdown passes in a game with seven.
 
Bemidji State answered back with a balanced offensive push, highlighted by Mitch Olson's 28-yard rush and Connor Carver's 25-yard carry, driving deep into Dragon territory. Bart McAninch then connected with Jake Hill for a 19-yard touchdown pass, and Mantelli's successful extra point tied the game at 7-7 as the quarter concluded.
 
Bemidji State faced a challenging second quarter as MSUM extended their lead early with two touchdown passes by Strand. Bemidji State's defense managed to halt a drive with an interception by Gabe Ward at the 4:50 mark, giving their offense a chance to respond. Antonio Brown's 9-yard run set up a crucial touchdown pass from McAninch to Hill with 1:24 remaining, narrowing the deficit to 21-14. However, the Dragons quickly retaliated, scoring another touchdown to end the quarter with a 28-14 lead.
 
Bemidji State began the third quarter with Mantelli's 65-yard kickoff, but McKale Pierson's 38-yard return brought MSUM to their own 38-yard line. The Bemidji State defense made a crucial stop when Ward broke up a fourth-and-one pass at the Bemidji State 31-yard line, resulting in a turnover on downs. However, Bemidji State struggled offensively, with McAninch throwing an interception to Gavin Jarchow, giving MSUM possession at their own 46-yard line.
 
Despite a defensive sack by Joey Funderburk, Bemidji State could not capitalize, and the Dragons' Strand connected with Carson Elbert for a short touchdown pass, extending the home team's lead. A subsequent interception thrown by McAninch and a series of penalties stifled any further progress.
 
Bemidji State's final quarter was highlighted by a late scoring drive that saw Zach Romak connect with Lucas Peterson for a 17-yard touchdown pass with just 27 seconds remaining on the clock. Olson contributed on the ground, amassing 10 yards on consecutive carries to help move the chains. Despite this effort, Bemidji State's defense was unable to hold back the Dragons, who expanded their lead earlier in the period with two touchdowns. The game concluded with MSUM securing a decisive 49-21 victory over Bemidji State.
 
Jake Hill recorded five receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Mitch Olson contributed with 77 rushing yards on 13 attempts. Quarterback Bart McAninch completed 11 of 19 passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns, despite throwing three interceptions. Gabe Ward made an impact on defense with four tackles and an interception.
 
Bemidji State is 3-6 overall and holds a 3-5 record in conference play. The Beavers will face the No. 13/10 University of Minnesota Duluth next Saturday in Duluth, Minn., at 12 p.m. BSU closes its season on Nov. 15 against the University of Mary at home at Chet Anderson Stadium with a 1 p.m. kickoff. 
 
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).