WINONA, Minn. — Bemidji State University (0-2) let up 21 unanswered points to Winona State University (1-1) Saturday afternoon, falling 21-17 in the first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matchup of 2025.
The first quarter opened with Bemidji State's
Connor Carver's 12-yard rush and a 13-yard touchdown pass to
Michael Schurman at 10:49.
Jayden Washington's consistent ground efforts culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:20 remaining, extending the lead to 14-0. A key defensive moment came when
Levi Daniel recovered a fumble at the Warriors' 41-yard line, setting the tone for a strong opening quarter.
The second quarter opened with Bemidji State capitalizing on a penalty by WSU, which set up a drive that ended in a 28-yard field goal by
Connor Mantelli, extending their lead to 17-0 at 9:37. Carver connected with Schurman and
Imarion Kelly on consecutive passes for key first downs during the drive. The Warriors responded late in the quarter, with a precise drive culminating in a touchdown pass from Jackson Flottmeyer to Joe Sikma, narrowing the gap to 17-7 with 14 seconds remaining.
The third quarter began with a strategic kickoff by Mantelli, pinning WSU deep, but Bemidji State's defense struggled to contain a series of short passes and a decisive 29-yard completion, leading to a Warriors touchdown at 6:33. Carver then orchestrated a drive, completing key passes to
Drayton Lehman and
Sam Kanne, yet the effort fell short as Bemidji State's momentum was halted by a fumble in the final minute. Despite the setback, Washington contributed significantly with a series of rushes totaling 17 yards.
The fourth quarter began with WSU executing a methodical drive, culminating in a 32-yard touchdown run by Anthony Powell at 9:20, extending their lead. Bemidji State's offense responded with a determined march down the field, highlighted by Carver's 22-yard completion to
Zavery Guerra and a key 12-yard rush on fourth down to keep the drive alive. However, a late sack and fumble at the 18-yard line halted Bemidji State's comeback attempt, sealing a 21-17 victory for the Warriors.
Carver led the offense with 125 passing yards and a touchdown on 14 completions out of 26 attempts, adding 123 rushing yards on 21 carries. Schurman contributed to the aerial attack with three receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. Washington added 54 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Defensively,
Owen Dukowitz and Daniel each recorded seven tackles, with Daniel also recovering a fumble.
Bemidji State fell to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Bemidji State will host the University of Sioux Falls on Saturday, September 13, at Chet Anderson Stadium for the team's home opener. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
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).
