The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Sports

August 30, 2012

MSU football team rolls in opener

The Free Press

MINOT, N.D. — Minnesota State had a 401-33 advantage in total yards and opened the season by defeating Minot State 44-10 in a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football game Thursday.

“From an offensive standpoint, it was ugly at times,” interim coach Aaron Keen said. “But a win’s a win, and we can feel good about it. There are some things we need to correct, but I think this can be a pretty darn good football team.”

The Mavericks erased an early 7-3 deficit when Taylor Brookins scored on a 3-yard run. Sam Brockshus’ second field goal made it 13-7 in the second quarter, and linebacker Bryce Dominick recovered a fumble in the end zone for a 20-7 lead. Brockshus made his third field goal for a 23-10 halftime lead.

“We had some execution issues and some penalties, and we dropped some balls,” Keen said. “But I think we righted the ship in the second half, which was good to see.”

The Mavericks bumped the lead to 30-10 early in the fourth quarter, using a 15-play drive and converting twice on fourth down. The touchdown came on a fourth-down play as quarterback Jon Wolf ran in from 8 yards.

Connor Thomas scored on a 5-yard run to open the fourth quarter, and Trent Cummings passed 19 yards to Matt Murphy for the final touchdown.

Wolf completed 12 of 23 passes for 116 yards, and he rushed 15 times for 80 yards and a score. Thomas had 81 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries. Adam Thielen made four receptions for 59 yards, while Kyle Riggott, Andy Pfeiffer and Murphy each had three receptions.

Isaac Kolstad led the defense with six tackles, and Earl Brooks and Marcus Hall-Oliver each had four tackles. Brooks and Sam Thompson each had an interception. The Mavericks held Minot State to minus-43 yards rushing.

“The defense played extremely well,” Keen said. “They played with passion and enthusiasm.”

The Mavericks (1-0) play Saturday, Sept. 8, at home against Bemidji State, beginning at 6 p.m.

Text Only | Photo Reprints