Black Hills defeats Beavers 35-3

Copy of article from Rapid City Journal (link)

By Mike Besso, Lawrence County Journal

SPEARFISH - Black Hills State University wrapped up a perfect record in the Dakota Athletic Conference and secured its first ever berth in the NAIA national football playoffs after a 35-3 win over Minot State in the regular season finale Saturday at Lyle Hare Stadium.

"We wanted to be the first (BHSU) team to make the playoffs," said BHSU head coach John Scott. "We're officially in the playoffs."

Coach Scott said BHSU has submitted a monetary bid to the NAIA for a chance to host a first-round playoff game on Nov. 18.

The national pairings will be listed by the NAIA next Sunday.

The Stingers' defense limited Minot State to 167 yards in total offense in Saturday's contest. BHSU's 'D' held six of its 10 opponents without a touchdown this season.

"The defense created such chaos," said Scott. "Pat Fackrell (BHSU defensive coordinator) teaches it so well. The defense we run fits our kids perfectly."

Meanwhile the offense did its part, accumulating 294 yards. Minot State was second in the nation heading into the game, allowing only 9.3 points per-game.

BHSU marched 67 yards in 11 plays for six points on the opening procession of the game.

Quarterback Erik Osborne connected with tight end Matt Minter on a 15-yard touchdown strike at the nine-minute mark of the first period.

"We knew they (Beavers) were going to take our receivers away," said Scott. "We converted on a couple of third downs on the first series."

In the final minute of the quarter, Darrell Neiman blocked a Beavers' punt. The Sundance, Wyo., freshman returned the ball seven yards for a touchdown. Rocky Stevens' PAT upped the BHSU lead 14-0.

Minot State got on the scoreboard with 11:30 left in the half when Michael Fox drilled a 24-yard field goal. The score was set up when the Jackets punter Andy Christy received a high snap from center and was tackled at the BHSU 8-yard line.

A pass interception by Tyler Tetrault presented the Jackets with another scoring opportunity. The hosts capitalized on the break on Corey Wheeler's 11-yard TD reception with 3:47 remaining in the half. BHSU held a 21-3 halftime lead. Osborne completed 11-of-13 pass attempts in the initial half.

Early in the second half, defensive lineman Justin Thorpe recovered a Minot State fumble at the MSU 19. Three plays later, Minter snared a five-yard pass from Osborne.

The Yellow Jackets finalized the scoring with 4:20 remaining in the game. Wide receiver Joe Beehler had his pass tipped in the end zone into the hands of an alert Kyle Gerik for a 16-yard touchdown.

BHSU, 7-0 in the DAC and 8-2 overall, is riding an eight-game winning streak heading into the playoffs. Twelve seniors played their final regular season home game for the Yellow Jackets.