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Another week, another big game for MSU

MICHAEL LINNELL, Sports Editor mlinnell@minotdailynews.com



As Minot State University continues its Dakota Athletic Conference winning streak, the thought of a showdown with Jamestown College for the conference championship looms larger.

With each win, however, the Beavers have to focus on their present opponent even more.

That starts today as MSU (4-0 DAC, 4-3 overall) plays host to a dangerous Valley City State team (1:30 p.m., Herb Parker Stadium.) The two teams were in opposite situations last year when MSU upset VCSU 19-14 at Valley City.

“We struggled a little with our preparation. We weren't as sharp on Tuesday and Wednesday as I would like,” MSU head coach Paul Rudolph said. “We have to stay focused.”

Especially with VCSU's big- play capabilities. The Vikings' defensive back Chauncey Calhoun might be the best two-way player the conference has seen in some time. Calhoun punts and plays wide receiver for the Vikings along with his defensive duties.

“He is probably the most dangerous player we have seen in the conference,” Rudolph said. “He catches screens and the deep ball. We will need to maintain possessions to keep the ball out of his hands.”

The Beavers have been doing that — maintaining possessions — with a solid running game and intermediate passing routes.

“I think the passing game has progressed,” Rudolph said. “Jon (QB Jon Meier) played pretty well last week and guys like Johnny (Lester) and Julius (Ceasar) have caught some big passes.”

Meier was an impressive 11-for-17 passing that included three dropped passes.

“We obviously have to do a better job of catching the ball,” Rudolph said. “But we aren't going to dwell on it. They know what they are supposed to do and making a big deal about it isn't going to help.”

The Beavers receivers might be one player down as senior Josh Kringen injured his knee last week and isn't expected to play. According to Rudolph, the Beavers will rely on Lester, Ceasar and senior Chauncy Hendershot more in the passing game.

“Chauncy knows all three receivers spots and is capable of playing anywhere on the field,” Rudolph said.

The Beavers will need to continue to stop the run as VCSU's Anthony Walkine is second only to MSU's Nick Banks in rushing in the DAC.

“He is shifty in the backfield and has good feet,” Rudolph said of Walkine. “We need to keep him in check. I thought the defense did a good job last week of adjusting. The plays (Mayville State) was making in the first half weren't being made in the fourth quarter. We got better pressure up front.”

MSU isn't planning any formal on-field tribute to Herb Parker, who died Oct. 7, until the season finale. His passing, however, is felt this week as MSU plays its first game on the field that bears his name since his passing.

“He was a part of the program,” Rudolph said. “We play in his stadium and a lot of the guys knew him pretty well.”