Football defeats Northern State, improves to 6-0
The undefeated team now prepares for a home game against U-Mary
Andrew Neururer
Sports Editor
The Minnesota State football team traveled to South Dakota, to take on Northern State in cold, snowy temperatures.
The game-time temperature was as low of 33 degrees, but the Mavericks continued to stay hot, improving to 6-0 after winning 39-7.
The Mavericks used three quarterbacks against the Wolves, but sophomore Brevin Kaiser didn’t see time until the fourth quarter.
Junior JD Ekowa stole the show, completing 50% of his 14 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown. Whereas senior Ryan Schlichte found continued success throwing the ball, leading the Mavericks in passing touchdowns with two. He also added an interception in his 54 passing yards.
Senior Shane Zylstra was once again the main recipient of those passes, collecting seven receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
MSU had five other players on the team catch at least one or two passes in the win as well.
Running wise, senior Nate Gunn didn’t eclipse 100 yards on the ground for the first time this season. However, he netted two touchdowns on 76 rushing yards – adding yet another productive game.
Redshirt freshman Kaleb Sleezer led the team in rushing yards with 85 on 14 attempts. He didn’t reach the endzone but averaged 6.1 yards per carry.
Senior Spencer Hermus added the lone interception of the game. He also added two solo tackles to his resume on the game.
The Mavericks collected two sacks, coming from junior Josh Kawlewski and senior Destyn Woody.
MSU saw new faces at the top of the tackle leaders in the game. Junior Brayden Thomas gained five tackles – two for a loss, and redshirt freshman Nick Foss and junior Cade Johnson followed suit with four tackles.
Minnesota State will now take on the University of Mary Saturday at home.
Header photo: Minnesota State quarterback JD Ekowa (7) practices on the sidelines during the second half of a game against Minnesota-Duluth at the Blakeslee Stadium Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 in Mankato, Minn. (Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter)