Copy of story from Minot Daily News (link)

Rushing, defense give MSU conference win

By CHRIS BIERI, Staff Writer cbieri@minotdailynews.com

Maybe it was a new offensive approach, a rejuvenated running attack or freshman quarterback Jon Meier's third-down proficiency. Or maybe it was a stifling defense or the extra push provided by a raucous homecoming crowd.

Whatever the reason, the Minot State University football team looked nothing like the club that limped to an 0-3 start as it won its Dakota Athletic Conference opener 30-0 over South Dakota Tech Saturday at Herb Parker Stadium.

The win came at the right time for the Beavers, just as the conference season got under way.

“It's been a frustrating three games,” Beavers head coach Mike Sivertson said. “We've been in every game and haven't been blown out. It's a credit to our kids and our coaches.”

The Beavers showed commitment to the run early. They easily surpassed their combined rushing total from their first three games with an eye-popping 259 yards on 58 carries en route to the homecoming win.

“We've been frustrated and disappointed in that area,” Sivertson said. “We have talent and experience on the line and in the backfield. Hopefully today will be a catalyst for further improvements.”

After forcing punts on the first two Hardrockers' possessions, the Beavers got moving on their second drive of the day — a drive that was symbolic of just how the game would go.

Minot State, generally a shotgun-oriented team, put Meier under center and hammered away with senior running back Neil Graham.

Graham ran four consecutive times for 26 yards before an MSU penalty backed the Beavers up five yards. Following another seven-yard run by Graham, Meier went to the air on third-and-five, forcing a pass interference penalty on the Hardrockers.

After two more Graham runs, Meier threw what would be the first of a handful of key third-down conversions. Working off a play-action fake, Meier found junior tight end Joe Monsoor in the left corner of the end zone. Monsoor made a leaping catch for a 6-0 Beavers' lead.

The Beavers forced the Hardrockers into another three-and-out, and the Beavers went back to the running attack, this time with senior Manny Gutierrez. Gutierrez carried the ball seven times on the drive, with Meier twice keeping the drive alive with third-down passes to Josh Kringen.

“Jon managed the game well,” Sivertson said. “He helped us keep drives alive.”

Graham got into the act on fourth-and-one from the 11, pushing forward for a first-and-goal. Meier made yet another key third-down conversion, rolling right and hitting Kevin Hanson for a touchdown on a third-and-goal from the 7. Meier hit Kringen on a quick slant for a two-point conversion and a 14-0 MSU lead.

Minot State's defense was stout all day long, allowing Tech just 13 yards rushing on 20 carries, 77 yards of total offense and six first downs.

The MSU defense got into the scoring act on the Hardrockers' next possession. Tech hit for its longest offensive play of the day, a 17-yard connection between Hardrockers quarterback Jason Beilstein and receiver Kyle Krajewski, to earn a first down at their own 37.

The very next play, Beavers defensive back Kevin Conway got in the Hardrockers' backfield and popped Tech tailback John Henderson. Henderson fumbled and MSU senior Kenny Mack picked up the ball in stride and ran for a 33-yard touchdown.

Neither team got much offense going in the third quarter, but great starting field position and a few solid runs by Gutierrez put the Beavers in position for a 24-yard Nik Levnaich field goal with 12 seconds remaining in that quarter.

The fourth quarter was marked by a mess of turnovers early. On the first play, of the quarter, MSU's Sean Ortiz pounced on a Beilstein fumble. Two plays later, Meier slipped pulling away from center. In his only bad decision of the game, he tried unsuccessfully to pitch it back to the MSU running back. The Hardrockers grabbed that fumble at their own 17 yard line. On their first play after that turnover, the Hardrockers put it on the ground again, as Henderson fumbled at the end of a 14-yard gain.

This time the Beavers made Tech pay, using four Graham runs on a short five-play drive to tack on a final touchdown.

MSU improved to 1-3 (1-0 in the DAC), while the Hardrockers fell to 1-3 (0-1 in the DAC) with the loss.

The Beavers travel to Dickinson State Saturday for a 1:30 MDT start in their second conference game. The Hardrockers play host to Black Hills State in a 1 p.m. start.

Robert Petry/MDN Minot State university's Neil Graham breaks a tackle during the first half Saturday at Herb Parker Stadium as the beavers took on South Dakota Tech.