MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University edged out the Bemidji State University Football team with a 28-21 victory Saturday afternoon at Herb Parker Stadium in Minot, N.D. The Beavers totaled 268 of their 426 total yards in the game in the second half to attempt to overcome a 21-7 first-half deficit but fell just short of a comeback.
 
Bart McAninch completed 21-of-29 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown. Connor Carver recorded 101 rushing yards on eight carries, scoring one touchdown. Drayton Lehman caught nine passes for 112 yards, leading his team in receiving. On defense, Gabe Ward led with 10 total tackles.
 
The first quarter began with Bemidji State kicking off to Minot State, which started their drive at their own 11-yard line. Minot State capitalized on a series of rushing plays, highlighted by a 40-yard run from Sam Buckhanan and a pivotal 15-yard touchdown rush by Carson Chrisman at 4:50, followed by a successful extra point by Brandon McCary, putting them ahead 7-0. Bemidji State responded with an efficient passing drive, with McAninch connecting with Lucas Peterson for a nine-yard touchdown pass at 00:59. Connor Mantelli's extra point tied the game at 7-7 to close the quarter.
 
Minot State extended their lead in the second quarter with a series of successful rushing plays, starting with Evan Lovett's 1-yard touchdown run at 10:13, which followed a sustained drive primarily on the ground. McCary converted the extra point, pushing the score to 14–7. The Beavers continued to dominate the period with Gage Cavanaugh's 6-yard touchdown rush with 1:18 remaining, bringing the score to 21–7 after another successful PAT by McCary. BSU attempted a late rally, advancing to Minot State's 14-yard line, but a fumble by McAninch at the goal line ended their promising drive.
 
BSU surged in the third quarter, overcoming a deficit to tie the game 21-21. Carver's dynamic rushing helped with a 39-yard run early and a critical 36-yard touchdown run at the 1:00 mark. Isaiah Tisdle added another touchdown with a 14-yard rush, punctuating an efficient 75-yard drive at 11:32. McAninch's passing contributed key completions, including a 13-yard pass to Imarion Kelly, sustaining offensive momentum. Minot's offense struggled to capitalize on their possession, missing a 54-yard field goal attempt with 5:47 remaining.
 
In the fourth quarter, Minot State's defense secured a victory over BSU with a pivotal interception. As Bemidji attempted to close the gap, McAninch's pass was intercepted by Nalu Cordeiro at Bemidji's 49-yard line, which Cordeiro returned for a 49-yard touchdown with 1:46 remaining. McCary's successful extra point extended Minot State's lead to 28-21. Despite BSU's subsequent drive reaching Minot's 6-yard line, another interception by Cordeiro nullified their scoring opportunity, cementing Minot State's win.
 
Bemidji State falls to 0-5 overall and remains winless in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play at 0-4. The Beavers improve to 1-4 overall with a 1-3 record in conference action.
 
Looking ahead, Bemidji State hosts Northern State University at Chet Anderson Stadium on Saturday, October 4 for Homecoming weekend. Kickoff is set for 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—