Mavericks drop dragons 24-19
The Mavericks bounced back this past weekend to earn their sixth victory of the season, defeating the Moorhead Dragons at home 24-19.
The Mavs now stand strong with a 6-1 season record, while also holding an impressive 5-1 record in the NSIC. The Dragons, meanwhile, fall to 2-4, 2-3 in the conference.
In the first quarter, the Dragon’s opening drive was put to an end on the fourth down by the Mavericks. The Mavs proceeded to advance the ball downfield within range for junior Matthew Jaeger to score the first field goal of the game from 40 yards, starting the game off with a 3-0 lead.
At the start of the second quarter within the 3-yard line, the Dragons handed the ball to Flynn Ridgeway who managed to get past the Maverick defense, into the endzone. This paired with a field goal by Max Watson put the Dragons ahead 9-3.
The Dragon’s lead was soon cut short as Maverick senior QB Hayden Ekern responded with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, paired with a 10-yard pass to Gabe Hagen who scored a touchdown of his own.
The Mavs ended the first half in the lead despite another 33-yard field goal from Watson, setting the score 17-12.
After a slow first half of the third quarter, the Mavericks pushed their way across the field, sending Ekern up the middle at the 1-yard line resulted in his second touchdown of the game, putting the Mavericks further ahead 24-12.
Moorhead managed one more touchdown before the final whistle as Carson Elbert received a 12-yard scoring pass from Jack Strand.
For the remainder of the game, both defenses stood strong, resulting in the final score of the game 24-19 and a Maverick victory.
For the defense, Maven Krecthe found one sack and forced a fumble. Gage Tennyson and Abe Hesdalen managed a sack each as well. Nathan Drumm, Terrell Hall and Antonio Alzheimer found six tackles each.
QB Hayden Ekern finished off the game with a total of 168 passing yards, 58 rushing yards, 1 passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns.
Freshman Sam Backer led the team with 130 rushing yards on 19 carries, followed by Ekern with 59- yards.
Junior Isaiah Emanuel clocked in 65 receiving yards, while senior Grant Guyett followed with 48-yards.
The Mavericks are now scheduled for a bye-week. They’ll return to action at home Oct. 26 against the Augustana Vikings.
Photo caption: The Mavericks defeated the Moorhead Dragons 24-19, increasing MSU’s season record to 6-1. (Courtesy Maverick Athletics)
Write to matthew.beyer@mnsu.edu