2002 Season Review

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2002 Season

NAIA All-American Team Released NAIA LINK
The 9-2 DAC-10 Champion Beavers received more good news with Post season award recognition of five Minot State University Football players. Senior QB Kenny Smith, Senior RB Darrik Trudell, along with Junior WR Harry Mills were selected to the NAIA All-American 1st Team Offense. Senior DB James Drayton along with Junior DE Ian Best were selected to the NAIA All-American Honorable mention Defensive team.

NAIA Scholar Athlete Team Released
Scholar Athlete link
Post season awards continue for the 2002 DAC-10 Champions with the selection of four Minot State University Football players to the NAIA 2002 DAKTRONICS Scholar Athlete team. Senior WR Josh Dascher, Senior RB Travis Titus along with Junior FS Drew Wierson and Junior LB Jess Gross all have achieved at least a 3.5 cumulative grad point average after their Junior season.

5 Beavers Selected to NAIA.NET All-American Team Link
More post season awards recognize members from the 2002 National Play-off qualifying MSU Football Team. Selected to the Engravers Edge 1st team offense are Senior RB Darrik Trudell and Junior WR Harry Mills. Senior QB Kenny Smith, Senior OT Chris Poitra on offense, and Senior DB James Drayton on defense, where selected to the respective honorable mention teams.

2002 Beavers set NEW RECORDS! DAC-10 Link
Dac-10 Team Records
1) Total Offense - 464.73
2) Passing Offense - 299.27
3) Passing TD's - 34

Individual Records
Sr QB Kenny Smith established new DAC-10 Conference marks in
1) Total Offense per game - 311.55 yards per game
2) Passing yards per game - 299.82
3) Passing TD's - 34
New School Record in
1) Total Offense - 3,427 yards
2) Passing yards - 3,298 yards
3) Passing TD's - 34

Sr RB Darrik Trudell established a new DAC-10 Conference mark in
1) Rushing yards per game - 138.09
2) Tied Rushing TD's - 14
School Record
1) Single season rushing yards - 1,519 yards

Jr WR Harry Mills tied a DAC-10 Conference mark in
1) TD catches in a single season - 15
School Record
1) Receiving yards in a season - 1,490 yards
2) TD Catches - 15

S0 K Cody Saunders established a new DAC-10 Conference mark in
1) Made PAT's in a single season - 52 (52 of 54)

Week of Nov 17 - 24th 2002

14 Beavers selected to All-DAC-10 Honors Link

#13 Minot State Suffers first road loss of the season in opening round of the NAIA Playoffs to #6 U of Mary 18-21
The Beavers were unable to overcome early turnovers and a running game by the University of Mary as they lost in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament 18-21.

The Beavers, down 3-14 at halftime, rallied in the third quarter to take an 18-14 lead. Unfortunately, the lead was not enough as the Marauders came back to score with five minutes to play in the game to go up 21-18. MSU had anorher chance to tie the game or take the lead, but the drive stalled at the U of Mary 24 yard line.

In what was one of MSU’s best football seasons since last qualifing for the Playoffs in 1994, a number of school records were broken, gaining the program national recognition as one of the top teams in the NAIA. The Beavers lose nine seniors to graduation, but will return a strong core of players on both sides of the ball,

NAIA National Playoff Battle between DAC-10 Conference Champs will determine National Playoff Quarter Finalists
In a televised game the #13 ranked Minot State University Beavers will travel to # 6 U of Mary in Bismarck, ND for the opening round of the 2002 National Playoffs! It is a rematch of a game played in Bismarck in front of a televised audience on Oct 12th in which at that time the #19 Beavers defeated the # 3 Marauders 35-21.

#13 MSU boosts the nations # 3 ranked offense (481 yards per game), the nations # 3 ranked passing offense (309.8 yards per game), and the nations #17 ranked rushing defense (117.8 yards per game).

#6 U of Mary boosts the nations # 19 ranked offense (389.3 yards per game), the nations # 10 ranked passing offense (249.5 yards per game), the nations # 14 ranked defense (274.5 yards per game), and the nations # 9 rushing defense (109 yards per game).

By the numbers,
MSU averages 40.5 points per game, U-Mary 31.8
MSU averages 481 yards per game of offense, U-Mary 389.3
MSU averages 22 points allowed per game, U-Mary 14.2
MSU averages 327 yards allowed, U-Mary 274.5

If you are not able to get to the game or catch it on TV, just click below the radio tower on the right to catch all the action! Kick-off is 12:30 pm (CST)

12:15 pm Sunday November 17th.

NAIA Playoff Pairings pit DAC-10 Champions Minot State and U of Mary in 1st Round game at Bismarck, ND for 12:30 pm kick-off on Saturday November 23rd.

Players among Statistical best in NAIA
Sr. RB Darrik Trudell extended his new scholl record mark to 1,452 yards rushing in a single season with 251 yards rushing vs #21 Valley City State. The record was held by current Calgary Stampeder Scott Diebert of the CFL who set the mark in 1994 with a 1,036 yards on the season. Darrik rushed 39 times for 251 yards and 2 TD's in MSU's 37-20 win over Valley City State. Darrik is currently 4th in the Nation in rushing yards per game with a average of 145.2 yards per game. Link He is 11th for points per game averaging 9.6Link



Jr. WR Harry Mills surpassed the single season receiving yards school record, which was held by 2002 MSU Hall of Fame inductee Chad McNally, who had 681 yards receiving during the 10 game 1991 season. Harry has 60 receptions for 1,367 yards and is averaging 136.7 yards per game, 22.78 yards per catch. Haryy is 16th in the NAIA for points per game at 8.4 Link, 12th in punt return average 13.6 yards per Link, 13th in receiving with 6 catches per game Link, and 12th in kickoff returns averraging 25.38 per return Link.




Sr. QB Kenny Smith extemded the new DAC-10 Conference single season passing TD record to 33, with 2 TD passes in a 37-20 victory over #21 Valley City State.. The old record of 28, was set by Valley City State's Jeremy Peschel during the 2000 season, Smith also extended his new school record to 3,104 yards passing in a sigle season which brakes the old School record for passing yards in a single season set by Todd Lindstrom, of 2,364 yards in 1992. Kenny currently is 184-328 for 3,104, 33 TD's, 7 int's. Kenny is first in the NAIA passing yards per game Link, and is third in total offense averaging 321.7 yards. Link

Cody Saunders is rewriting the DAC-10 single season PAT mark which he set last fall at 36. He extended his new DAC-10 PAT mark to 51 made PAT's (53 attempts) after his 4-4 PAT performance in MSU's 37-20 win over #21 Valley City State. He is also fourth in the NAIA in kick scoring with 75 points for a average of 7.5 per gameLink

Beavers Advance to NAIA National Playoff's

Week of Nov 10 - Nov 17th 2002

#13 BEAVERS
WIN DAC-10 CHAMPIONSHIP
at Herb Parker Stadium
with 37-20 WIN over #21 Valley City State

SR RB Darrik Trudell Named NAIA Player of the Week and DAC-10 Player of the Week
Link to NAIA article
Link to Dac-10 Article
Link to Don Hansens Football Gazette article
Trudell, a six-foot-one-inch senior running-back from Sidney, Mont., led the Beavers’ offense with 251 yards on 39 carries and two touchdowns in Minot State’s 37-20 victory over Valley City State University (N.D.). He averaged 6.4 yards per rush and also had four receptions for 19 yards in the game. Trudell finished the regular season as the DAC-10 leading rusher (145.2 ypg) and tied for the conference lead with 9.6 points per game (16 tds).

Beaver Football Team Remains at # 13
The MSU Football team remained at # 13 this week in the NAIA poll after improving their record to 9-1 last weekend with a 37-20 victory over #21 Valley City State. The poll, released on November 12th has the Beavers listed at #13. Two other DAC-10 teams are recognized in the top 10. The entire poll can be viewed at www.naia.org The Beavers completed the DAC-10 regular season with a 8-1 conference record, 9-1 overall, which gives them a share of the DAC-10 Conference Title. The Beavers wait anxiously for Sunday November 17th, when they will learn if they have been selected to the NAIA's 16 team National Playoff field. A first round game would be held on Saturday, Nov 23rd, with the site and team to be determined, on Sunday by the Playoff selection committee.

Cody Saunders is rewriting the DAC-10 single season PAT mark which he set last fall at 36. He extended his new DAC-10 PAT mark to 51 made PAT's (53 attempts) after his 4-4 PAT performance in MSU's 37-20 win over #21 Valley City State. He is also third in the NAIA in kick scoring with 75 points for a average of 7.5 per gameLink

Week of Nov 3 - Nov 9th 2002
Beaver Football Team Moves Up to # 13
The MSU Football team moved up this week in the NAIA poll to # 13 after improving their record to 8-1 last weekend with a 42-0 victory over SD Tech. The poll, released on November 5th has the Beavers listed at #13. Three other DAC-10 teams are recognized in the top 21. The entire poll can be viewed at www.naia.org The Beavers are currently tied for the DAC-10 lead with a 7-1 conference record, 8-1 overall. The Beavers host #21 Valley City State, who lost to # 8 U of Mary 34-40 this past weekend. Kickoff for this weeks final regular season DAC-10 match up is 1:30 pm, Saturday, Nov 9th, at Herb Parker Stadium.

Beavers Set For Showdown With Valley City
by Staff Writer
Win out. The Beaver slogan has held thus far, with MSU handling both Mayville State and South Dakota Tech over the past two weekends. The true test for MSU, however, comes this weekend as Minot takes on Valley City State. With a win, the Beavers would finish the season with a share of the conference title; but more importantly get the necessary record and national ranking to get a berth into the NAIA Tournament.

At the beginning of the season the team set a number of goals, one of which was winning the DAC-10 title. After falling to Dickinson State in what Sivertson referred to as “a bad dream,” the Beavers have rallied over the past two weeks to position themselves again at the top of the conference standings posting a record of 8-1 on the season.

The main players in Minot’s title hunt have been senior QB Kenny Smith, WR Harry Mills, RB Derrick Trudell, and kicker Cody Saunders. All four have set school records for the season, and continue to pile up the points for an offense that, at times, appears to be unstoppable. Smith currently is 162-308 for 2,797 yards with 31 touchdown passes and only 7 interceptions in nine games. Mills is making a run for a national record with his 24.6 yards per catch average, and in addition has racked up 52 receptions for 1,257 yards. Trudell set a new school record of 1,201 yards rushing in a single season. Saunders is currently rewriting his own PAT record for the conference and is currently at 47 for the season.

The unsung heroes for the Beavers this year have been the linemen. According to Sivertson “[the pass protection] has really helped Harry get downfield this year and that often goes unnoticed. Our line has created a lot of holes for Derrick to run through and Kenny has been able to play standing up. Credit those guys for working hard in the off-season, they have really been great workers for us.”

Defensively, MSU is currently ranked fifth in the conference coming off their shutout of South Dakota Tech. The Beaver Dam held the Hardrockers to only 133 total yards, and erased the running game to the tune of –4 yards. Coach Sivertson said that “in the game against Tech our defense came out intense and played four hard quarters. It really shows that we are improving every week when we get something special like that.”

Looking towards this Saturday’s 1:30 start time at Herb Parker Stadium in Minot, the Beavers are continuing to work hard. Sivertson summed up the week by saying that “[we] just want to get as many looks against our scout team as possible this week. Our team continues to learn and grow every week and as a staff we want that to continue. Both teams will be ready to go this weekend so it should be a great game.”

Saunders Named NAIA.NET Special Teams Player of the Week Link
Cody Saunders is rewriting the DAC-10 single season PAT mark which he set last fall at 36. He extended his new DAC-10 PAT mark to 47 made PAT's (49 attempts) after his 6-6 PAT performance in MSU's 42-0 win over SD Tech, with 1 regular season game remaining, Saunders has a chance to extend on that record.



SD Tech Game Award Winners LINK

# 15 Minot State (8-1) Shuts out SD Tech 42-0
MSU continued its winning ways Saturday with a dominating 42-0 rampage over the Hardrockers of South Dakota Tech. MSU held SD Tech to -4 yards rushing and 137 yards passing for a total of 133 yards. The Beavers also scored on a 70 yard fumble recovery by Shaun Cozort.

MSU's offense rushed for 280 and passed for 208 for a total of 488 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 42-0 victory over the Hardrockers of South Dakota Tech. The Beavers were lead offensively by Senior QB Kenny Smith who was 13-21 for 221 yards and 3 TD's, junior WR Harry Mills with 5 catches for 131 yards and 2 TD's, senior RB Darrik Trudell rushed 24 times for 186 yards and 2 TD's, and freshman RB Neil Graham who rushed 20 times for 87 yards.

Minot State hosts #14 Valley City State, who lost 34-40 to #12 U of Mary on Saturday Nov. 2nd, for the final regular season game with a NAIA Playoff berth and at least a share of the DAC-10 Conference Title on the line for the Beavers, at 1:30pm Saturday, November 9th on Herb Parker Field!

Players Break Records
Sr. RB Darrik Trudell set a new scholl record of 1,201 yards rushing in a single season with one regular season game remaining. The record was held by current Calgary Stampeder Scott Diebert of the CFL who set the mark in 1994 with a 1,036 yards on the season. Darrik rushed 24 times for 186 yards and 2 TD's in MSU's 42-0 win over SD Tech.





Jr. WR Harry Mills surpassed the single season receiving yards school record, which was held by 2002 MSU Hall of Fame inductee Chad McNally, who had 681 yards receiving during the 10 game 1991 season. After 9 games Harry has 52 receptions for 1,257 yards and is averaging 139.6 yards per game, 24.6 yards per catch.







Sr. QB Kenny Smith broke the DAC-10 Conference single season passing TD record of 28, set by Valley City State's Jeremy Peschel during the 2000 season, with 3 TD passes this weekend in a 42-0 victory over SD Tech. Smith also extended his new school record to 2,797 yards passing in a sigle season which brakes the old School record for passing yards in a single season set by Todd Lindstrom, of 2,364 yards in 1992. Kenny currently is 162-308 for 2,797, 31 TD's, 7 int's, with 1 regular season game remaining.

So. place kicker Cody Saunders is rewriting his DAC-10 single season PAT mark which he set last fall at 36. He extended his new DAC-10 PAT mark to 47 after his 6-6 PAT performance in MSU's win over SD Tech, with 1 regular season game remaining.

Week of Oct 27 - Nov 2nd 2002
Players among NAIA statistical leaders
Sr. RB Darrik Trudell is currently 4th in the NAIA in indivdual rushing averaging 126 yards per game (link) and tied with teammate Harry Mills at 12th in points scored per game with 9 (link). Darrik has rushed 216 times for 1,015 yards for a average of 126 yards per game, with 10 TD's after 8 games. He is the first MSU back to break the 1,000 yard mark since current Calgary Stampeder Scott Diebert of the CFL did it in 1994 with a 1,036 yards on the season, the current school record. NAIA Stats Link





Jr. WR Harry Mills is currently tied for 12th in points scored per game with 9 (link), 13th in punt returns averaging 13.6 yards a return (link) and 15th in receiving averaging 5.75 catches per game (link). Mills has 46 catches for 1,126 yards, 12 TD's, with a average of 140 yards receiving per game, 24 yard average per catch after 8 games. Harry has surpassed the single season receiving yards school record, which was held by 2002 MSU Hall of Fame inductee Chad McNally, who had 681 yards receiving during the 10 game 1991 season.




Sr. QB Kenny Smith is 1st in passing offense averaging 322 yards per game (link), 2nd in total offense averaging 332 yards per game (link). Kenny broke the School record for passing yards in a single season set by Todd Lindstrom, of 2,364 yards in 1992, in Minot State University's 44-27 win at Mayville State. Smith was 22-38 for 359 yards and 5 TD's. Kenny currently is 150-268 for 2,576, 28 TD's, 7 int's. Smith is also on pace to break his current School record of 227.3 yards per game average which he set during the 2001 season. He also has tied the current DAC-10 single season record of 28 TD's with 2 regular season games remaining.

So. place kicker Cody Saunders is tied for 1st in kick scoring per game averaging 7.8 points per game (link). Cody eclipsed the DAC-10 single season PAT mark which he set last fall at 36. Cody entered last weekend with 36 made PAT's and went 5-6 in his PAT tries in MSU's 44-27 win at Mayville State to push the new record to 41 made PAT's, with 2 regular season games remaining.

Beaver Football Team Moves Up to # 15
The MSU Football team moved up this week in the NAIA poll to # 15 after improving their record to 7-1 last weekend with a 44-27 victory in Mayville. The poll, released on October29th, has the Beaver listed at #15. Three other DAC-10 teams are recognized in the top 15. The entire poll can be viewed at www.naia.org The Beavers are currently tied for the DAC-10 lead with a 6-1 conference record, 7-1 overall. The Beavers host SD Tech, who lost to # 14 Valley City State 7-13 in OT this past weekend. Kickoff for this weeks DAC-10 match up is 1:30 pm, Saturday, Nov 2nd.

Saunders rewrites DAC-10 single season PAT mark
So. place kicker Cody Saunders, eclipsed the DAC-10 single season PAT mark which he set last fall at 36. Cody entered last weekend with 36 made PAT's and went 5-6 in his PAT tries in MSU's 44-27 win at Mayville State to push the new record to 41 made PAT's, with 2 regular season games remaining.

Mayville State Game Award Winners LINK

Milestones Reached
Sr. RB Darrik Trudell broke the 1,000 yard rushing mark in #18 Minot State University's 44-27 road win at Mayville State. Trudell carried the ball 41 times for 201 yards rushing and 1 TD. He also had 2 catches, 1 for a TD.Darrik has rushed 216 times for 1,015 yards for a average of 126 yards per game, with 10 TD's after 8 games. He is the first MSU back to break the 1,000 yard mark since current Calgary Stampeder Scott Diebert of the CFL did it in 1994 with a 1,036 yards on the season, the current school record.



Jr. WR Harry Mills surpassed the 1,000 yard receiving mark in # 18 Minot State University's 44-27 victory over Mayville State. Mills had 8 catches for 171 yard and 3 TD's. He has 46 catches for 1,126 yards, 12 TD's, with a average of 140 yards receiving per game, 24 yard average per catch after 8 games. Harry has surpassed the single season receiving yards school record, which was held by 2002 MSU Hall of Fame inductee Chad McNally, who had 681 yards receiving during the 10 game 1991 season.

Sr. QB Kenny Smith broke the School record for passing yards in a single season set by Todd Lindstrom, of 2,364 yards in 1992, in Minot State University's 44-27 win at Mayville State. Smith was 22-38 for 359 yards and 5 TD's. Kenny currently is 150-268 for 2,576, 28 TD's, 7 int's and a
per game average of 322 yards passing per game. Smith is also on pace to break his current School record of 227.3 yards per game average which he set during the 2001 season.

Playoff-Hopeful Beavers Prepare for Final Two Home Games
by: Staff Writer
The 7-1 Minot State football team will be practicing for this weekend with one thing on their mind: Win Out. The Beavers, who won handily at Mayville last Saturday, need to win their remaining games to at least stay in a tie for first place and remain as one of the ranked teams that would receive an invite to the NAIA National Playoff field of 16. The Beavers' next two games are at home against South Dakota Tech and # 15 Valley City State. MSU will look to National statistical leaders Kenny Smith (QB), Derrick Trudell (RB), and Harry Mills (WR) to lead the offensive attack and keep up their 40+ point per game average. Smith is second in the country in yards per game with a 329.86 average. Trudell is 6th in the country in rushing racking up 116.29 yards per game. Mills unoffically leads the country in yards per reception with an eye-popping 25 yards per reception.

Beavers finish regular season road schedule undefeated with 44-27 victory at Mayville State
MSU got back on track with a quick start and jumped out to a 28-6 halftime lead to retain its share of the DAC-10 conference lead with two regular season games remaining. The Beavers continue to reach the end zone through the air with Sr-QB, Kenny Smith completing 22 of 38 passes for 359 yards and 5TD's. Jr-WR Harry Mills broke the 1,000 yard receiving mark for the season with 8 catches for 171 yards and 3 TD's, Harry know has 1,126 receiving yards in eight games. Sr-RB Darrik Trudell broke the 1,000 yard rushing mark, with 41 carries for 201 yards and 1 TD, he also had a receiving TD on the day. Darrik has 1,014 yard rushing for the season after 8 games. The Beaver defense also returned to force 3 turnovers including a drive ending interception. MSU returns home to face SD Tech, who suffered a 7-13 double overtime loss to #15 Valley City State. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30pm Saturday November 2nd at Herb Parker Field.

Week of Oct 21 - 26th 2002

Playoff-Hopeful Beavers Head to Mayville
The 6-1 Minot State football team will be travelling to Mayville this weekend with one thing on their mind: Win Out. The Beavers, who fell to Dickinson State last weekend 56-28, need to win their remaining games to stay in a tie for first place and finish as one of the ranked teams that gets an invite to the NAIA national tournament.
The Beavers' next two games are against Mayville and South Dakota Tech, who are currently a combined 4-9 on the season. The Beavers' final game will be played at home against Valley City State, who is currently at the top of the DAC-10 with MSU, the University of Mary, and Dickinson State with a record of 5-1.
MSU will look to national statistical leaders Kenny Smith (QB), Derrick Trudell (RB), and Harry Mills (WR) to lead the offensive attack and keep up their 40+ point per game average. Smith is second in the country in yards per game with a 329.86 average. Trudell is 6th in the country in rushing racking up 116.29 yards per game. Mills leads the country in yards per reception with an eye-popping 25.

Beaver Football Team Remains in Top 20 after loss, ranked # 18
The MSU Football team remained in the top 20 this week in the NAIA poll after a tough loss to # 12 Dickinson State. MSU has a 6-1 overall record after last weekend and is in a four way tie for first place with three other top 20 teams from the DAC-10. The poll, released on October 22nd, has the Beavers listed at #18. Three other DAC-10 teams are recognized in the top 18. The entire poll can be viewed at www.naia.org The Beavers will travel to Mayville State who lost 6-29 to # 15 Valley City State last weekend. Kickoff for this weeks DAC-10 contest is 1:30 pm, Saturday, Oct 26th. Click below the radio tower to listen to this weekends game!

Dickinson State Game Award Winners LINK

# 11 Beavers suffer 28-56 loss to # 15 Dickinson State
# 11 Minot State lost for the first time this season 28-56 at the hands of #15 Dickinson State. The loss moves the Beavers into a four way tie for first place in the DAC-10 with Dickinson (who lost 28-30 to U of Mary), U of Mary (who lost 21-35 to MSU), Valley City State (who lost 14-23 to Dickinson), and MSU, all with 5-1 DAC-10 records with 3 games remaining in the regular season. Dickinson jumped out to a 42-21 halftime lead but Minot State battled back scoring on its first possession of the 2nd half to pull within 14 points and had a chance to narrow Dickinson's lead to just 7 points on their next possession, but the drive stalled on the Blue Hawks 22 yard line. MSU travels to Mayville State next week with a share of first place in the DAC-10 still on the line.

MSU players among NAIA Statistical top 10
Kenny Smith; 6-1; 185; Senior; Quarterback; from El Monte, CA is second in the NAIA in passing yardage per game after 7 games with a 316 yard average. He also is 2nd in individual total offense averaging 329 yards per game. NAIA STATS

Darrik Trudel; 6'1; 218; Senior; Running Back from Sidney, MT is 6th in the NAIA in individual rushing, averaging 116 yards per game, after 7 games. NAIA STATS He is 14th in the NAIA in scoring averaging 8.5 points per game after 7 games. NAIA STATS Darrik is 186 yards shy of the 1,000 yard mark for the season with 3 regular season games remaining.

Cody Saunders; 6'1; 175; Sophomore, Kicker from Minot, ND is tied for 1st in Kick Scoring, averaging 7.7 points per game, after 7games. NAIA STATS

Harry Mills; 5'9; 170; Junior, Wide Receiver from Las Vegas, NV is 16th in receiving, with 955 yards on 38 catches for 9 TD's and a 25 yard average per catch, after 7 games. NAIA STATS Harry needs 45 more yards to break the 1,000 yard mark for the season with 3 regular season games remaining,

Week of Oct 14 - 20th 2002
Beaver Football Team Moves Up to # 11
The MSU Football team moved up again this week in the NAIA poll to # 11 after improving their record to 6-0 last weekend with a 35-21 victory over # 3 ranked U of Mary. The poll, released on October15th, has the Beaver listed at #11. Three other DAC-10 teams are recognized in the top 18. The entire poll can be viewed at www.naia.org The Beavers are currently leading the DAC-10 with a 5-0 conference record, 6-0 overall. The Beavers will host #15 Dickinson State, who defeated # 10 Valley City State23-14 this past weekend. Kickoff for this weeks DAC-10 battle is 1:30 pm, Saturday, Oct 19th.

Smith Named NAIA Player of the Week Link
Kenny Smith of Minot State University (N.D.) named the Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending October 13, 2002.

# 3 QB Kenny Smith waits for the snap
Smith, a 6-1, 185-pound senior quarterback from El Monte, Calif. accounted for four of his team’s five touchdowns in a 35-21 upset victory over then third-ranked University of Mary (N.D.). Smith was 22-for-34 for 247 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 35 yards on 10 attempts for two scores as the No. 11 Beavers improved to 6-0 on the season.

Smith Named Don Hansen's Football Gazette NAIA Player of the Week Link

Smith Named DAC-10 Player of the Week!
Kenny Smith; Minot State; 6-1; 185; Senior; Quarterback; El Monte, CA
Smith ran for two touchdowns and threw for two in leading the #19 Beavers to a 35-21 win over the third ranked University of Mary Marauders. In the contest, Smith was 22 of 34 for 247 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions and rushed ten times for 35 yards and two scores. Link

2nd Week for NAIAFOOTBALL.NET Top Game of the week Story from NAIAFOOTBALL.NET
Minot is definitely the surprise team this year to the rest of the country, but I don't think the boys up in ND are too shocked. Minot will have a little tougher time this week against DSU. Dickey lost to Mary, but got a huge win last week over Valley City State.

U of Mary Award Winners Link

Beavers improve to (5-0) in DAC-10, (6-0) Overall with 35-21 win over # 3 U of Mary
The 19th ranked Minot State Beavers traveled to Bismarck, ND for a televised game with first place in the DAC-10 on the line and came away with a 35-21 win over NAIA # 3 ranked University of Mary. After five DAC-10 games MSU is in first place with a 5-0 conference record! The Beavers defense forced 3 turnovers and held U Mary to 78 yards rushing. Offensively Minot State was lead by Senior quarterback Kenny Smith, he completed 22 of 34 passes for 247 yards to seven different receivers, and 2 TD's. Senior running back Darrik Trudell rushed 30 times for 109 yards. Next Saturday October, 19th the Beavers will host # 17 Dickinson State who defeated #10 Valley City State 23-14.

MSU players among NAIA Statistical top 10
Kenny Smith; 6-1; 185; Senior; Quarterback; from El Monte, CA is third in the NAIA in passing yardage per game after 6 games with a 303 yard average. He also is 4th in individual total offense averaging 316.5 yards per game. NAIA STATS

Darrik Trudel; 6'1; 218; Senior; Running Back from Sidney, MT is 5th in the NAIA in individual rushing, averaging 128 yards per game, after 6 games. NAIA STATS

Cody Saunders; 6'1; 175; Sophmore, Kicker from Minot, ND is 1st in Kick Scoring, averaging 8.33 points per game, after 6 games. NAIA STATS

Harry Mills; 5'9; 170; Junior, Wide Receiver from Las Vegas, NV is 15th in Scoring, averaging 9 points per game, after 6 games. NAIA STATS

Week of Oct 6 - 13th 2002
Beaver Football Team Moves Up to # 19
The MSU Football teammoved up in the NAIA poll to # 19 after improving their record to 5-0 last weekend with a 58-10 victory over Dakota State. The poll, released on October 8th, has the Beaver listed at #19. Three other DAC-10 teams are recognized in the top 25. The entire poll can be viewed at www.naia.org The Beavers are currently tied for the lead in the DAC-10 with a 4-0 conference record and a 5-0 overall record. The Beavers travel to Bismarck to face # 3 U of Mary in a televised game with 1st place in the DAC-10 Conference on the line Oct 12th with a 1:30 pm kickoff Saturday.

NAIAFOOTBALL.NET Top Game of the week
This is one of two games in the DAC-10 which could end up deciding who goes to the playoffs this year. Both teams come in undefeated and untested from last weeks wins. Mary does have a little more big game experience by beating DSU two weeks ago, but the Beavers do have one of the best offenses in the nation. This game comes down to two things-Weather and Home Field Advantage. Mary gets one of two playing at home, but the other we won't know until Saturday. Good weather could equal a win for Minot. LINK

MSU players among NAIA Satistical top 10
Kenny Smith; 6-1; 185; Senior; Quarterback; from El Monte, CA is second in the NAIA in passing yardage per game after 5 games with a 314.75 yard average. He also is 3rd in individual total offense averaging 316.5 yards per game. NAIA STATS

Darrik Trudel; 6'1; 218; Senior; Running Back from Syndey, MT is 5th in the NAIA in individual rushing, averaging 132 yards per game. NAIA STATS

Cody Saunders; 6'1; 175; Sophmore, Kicker from Minot, ND is 1st in Kick Scoring, averaging 8.8 points per game. NAIA STATS

Harry Mills; 5'9; 170; Junior, Wide Receiver from Las Vegas, NV is 15th in Scoring, averaging 9.6 points per game. NAIA STATS

Dakota State Award winners LINK

#22 MSU Throttles Dakota State 58-10 at Homecoming
By: Staff Writer
A cold, grey North Dakota October day was the perfect setting for MSU to improve to 5-0 on the season. Watching them control the opposition 58-10, made alumni and students joyous for homecoming weekend.

The first drive of the game featured a 45 yard TD carry, and in the first half, senior quarterback QB Kenny Smith connecting on several long passes. The Beavers never looked back: gaining 189 yards on the ground and throwing for 278 yards for 467 total yards of offenses, while swarming Dakota State on defense, holding them to 154 total yards, 89 yards rushing and 65 passing.

The #22 Minot State squad will play the University of Mary on the road in Bismarck, October 9 at 1:30 pm. The game will be televised in Western ND and Eastern MT.

Week of Sept 28 - Oct 5th 2002

MSU Beaver All Football Reunion
Friday, Oct 4th & Saturday, Oct 5th, 2002
For Schedule of events and more information
click here

Beaver Football Team Moves Up to #22
The MSU Football teammoved up in the NAIA poll to # 22 after improving their record to 4-0 last weekend with a 40-17 victory over the University of Huron. The poll, released on October1st, had the Beaver listed at #22. Three other DAC-10 teams are recognized in the top 25. The entire poll can be viewed at www.naia.org The Beavers are currently tied for the lead in the DAC-10 with a 3-0 conference record and a 4-0 overall record. The Beavers host Dakota State for homecoming Oct 5th with a 1:30 pm kickoff on Saturday.

MSU players among NAIA Satistical top 10
Kenny Smith; 6-1; 185; Senior; Quarterback; from El Monte, CA leads the NAIA in passing yardage per game after 4 games with a 323.75 yard average. He also is 3rd in individual total offense averaging 326.5 yards per game. NAIA STATS

Darrik Trudel; 6'1; 218; Senior; Running Back from Sidney, MT is 5th in the NAIA in individual rushing, averaging 131.5 yards per game. NAIA STATS

Cody Saunders; 6'1; 175; Sophmore, Kicker from Minot, ND is 4th in Kick Scoring, averaging 7.25 points per game. NAIA STATS

Harry Mills; 5'9; 170; Junior, Wide Receiver from Las Vegas, NV is 8th in Scoring, averaging 12 points per game. NAIA STATS

Huron award winners
The weekly Offensive, Defensive, Special Teams and Practice Players of the week are listed on the link to the right . View Players of the week

# 25 Beavers Defeat Huron 40-17
The Beaver defense held Huron to 67 yards rushing on 39 attempts forcing 3 interceptions in the passing game to help lead MSU to a 40-17 victory in Huron, SD. Offensively the Beavers were lead by QB, Kenny Smith who was 13 of 27 for 4 TD's, but threw his first 2 INT's of the season. Senior RB Darrik Trudell rushed for 174 yards on 26 carries with 2 TD's including a 63 yard scamper. Harry Mills had another good day with 4 catches for 198 yards and 2 TD's. The Beavers will host Dakota State for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct 5th.

Week of Sept 21 - 28th 2002
Mills Named DAC-10 Offensive Player of the Week
Harry Mills has been tabbed as offensive player of the week by the DAC-10. Mills, a junior wide receiver from Las Vegas, NV, accounted for 209 yards in the Beavers 27-8 victory over Jamestown College on Saturday. He had six receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns. He also had one rushing attempt for 41 yards. DAC-10 link

Jamestown Award winners
The weekly Offensive, Defensive, Special Teams and Practice Players of the week are listed on the link to the right.View Players of the week

Week of Sept 14 - 21st 2002
Smith DAC-10 Player of the week
Kenny Smith; Minot State; 6-1; 185; Senior; Quarterback; El Monte, CA. Smith passed for 447 yards and six touchdowns in the Beavers' 59-33 DAC-10 opening triumph over Black Hills State. He hit 14 of 27 passes and no interceptions. Five of his completions were over 50 yards. Smith's TD passes came from 15, 12, 26, 30, 75 and 80 yards. DAC-10 link


Black Hills Award winners
The weekly Offensive, Defensive, Special Teams and Practice Players of the week are listed on the link to the right.View Players of the week

Week of Sept 7 - 14th 2002

Smith Named NAIA.NET Player of Week
Smith was a part of every touchdown in the Beavers 35-28 win over DII Bemidji State University. Smith completed 19 of 36 passes for 283 yards. Throwing for 4 TD passes and rushing for 1 TD. To top it off, Smith completed passes to 6 different receivers and threw no interceptions. LINK





Big D makes for Big WIN!
The MSU Beavers defeated the BSU Beavers in the third annual BEAVER BASH! Story

Bemidji State Award winners
The weekly Offensive, Defensive, Special Teams and Practice Players of the week are listed on the link to the right.View Players of the week

Minot State rallies for 35-28 win over Bemidji State in 3rd Annual Beaver Bash!
The Minot State Beavers scored two touchdowns in the final 2:37 of regulation, overcoming a 28-21 deficit en route to a 35-28 win over Bemidji State this afternoon at Chet Anderson Stadium. The win delivered the Bemidji State Beavers their first home non-conference loss since 1998.