MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University blew out an otherwise close game in the second half scoring in a variety of ways to top Valley City State 34-3 in Dakota Athletic Conference football in front of a packed Homecoming crowd at Herb Parker Stadium.

MSU scored on a punt return, an interception return and a pass play all in the four quarter to push a 10-3 halftime lead into the large margin.

“You know, I thought we had better focus, better concentration early on. We didn't have the 5-yard penalties and that us usually focus,” said MSU head coach Paul Rudolph. “We were able to establish a little mix and match game.”

After MSU pushed the lead to 13-3 on a Nik Richardson (So., K, Calgary, Alberta) field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter, MSU's Johnny Lester (Sr., WR, Miami, Fla.) went to work. Lester returned a punt 51 yards for a score with 10:35 to play in the game. It was Lester's ninth special team's score and his fourth punt return in his career. It is his third such return in four games this season.

“That's what our guys believe in,” Rudolph said when asked if he thought every Lester return was destined for a score. “When we get the ball in his hands, he can do some things.”

Lester picked up key blocks as he patiently surveyed the field while moving to his left and made a near stopped cutback at the 15 yard line for the TD. It was his second special team's TD in as many games and the first punt return for a touchdown this season.

Lester's 14-yard return to the VCSU 48 culminated in redshirt freshman Nate Christianson's (WR, Havre, Mont.) first TD catch of his career, a 6-yard fade from quarterback Layvester James (Sr., Miami, Fla.) in which Christianson out jumped the VCSU defender.

MSU wasn't done scoring however as John Denne (So., DB, St. Cloud, Minn.) intercepted as pass that was tipped by MSU defensive back Evan Warnert (So., DB, Sauk Rapids, Minn.) and rambled down the sidelines for the score, covering 37 yards to give the game its final score.

“I was standing with Tyson (Schatz, Jr., RB, Minot, N.D.) and he said 'coach, it's nice to get points with us standing right here,' ” Rudolph said. “I just said, 'whoa, baby.” It is a nice feeling.”

The Beavers (2-0 DAC, 2-2 overall) marched down the field on their first possession of the game as Schatz scored on a 5-yard run. Schatz finished with 32 of his game-high 101 yards rushing on the drive.

“Our O-Line came out right away and established the run game,” Schatz said. “It was a great first drive. Every week, every day we are getting better. We strive to get 100 yards rushing every game and the line did their job.”

“We hit the right guys for the most part and gave our guys a chance. We got out and ran a little and got in front of guys. I think we gained some confidence,” Rudolph said.

The Vikings (0-2 DAC, 1-3 overall) countered on their next possession, going 60 yards on 13 plays, but had to settle for a Dillon Davis field goal, cutting the lead to 7-3. It was the only sustained drive for the Vikings however as they were limited to just 144 total yards outside the one drive.

Minot State got the three back with a 22-yard field goal by Richardson in its next possession, pushing the lead to 10-3 heading into the half.

The Beavers held a 332-204 yard advantage, with a substantial 159-53 rushing lead. Both Schatz and Rudolph were pleased with that.

“Our defense has played pretty good all year,” Rudolph said. “Other than the St. Paul game, I thought they played their hearts out against Bemidji and pretty much dominated last week. We didn't let (VCSU) run the ball and they weren't going to make much yardage on the ground consistently.”

“We established the run game early and it opened things up for us the rest of the game,” Schatz added.

Lester, who already leads the nation in kickoff return yards per attempt and No. 9 in all purpose yards, had 64 yards on six catches, two punt returns for a combined 65 yards and two rushes for six yards.

VCSU's quarterback Trent Kosel was 19 of 32 for 151 yards but was picked off twice. Derek Elliott was the leading rusher for Valley City with just 32 yards on eight carries. The Vikings were hurt by penalties as they finished with 10 for 55 yards.

Along with Lester, senior Lance Hollinger (WR, Stanley, N.D.) also caught seven passes for 63 yards. Christianson and Zac Rudolph (Jr., WR, Sauk Rapids, Minn.) each had a pair of catches. James was an efficient 22-for-32 for 173 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.

The Beavers defense got contributions for multiple players as Trace Jahner (R-Fr., DB, Bemidji, Minn.) joined Denne with an interception. Tyson Snelling (Sr., DB, Brandon, Manitoba) finished with seven tackles and a pass break up. Eric Henke (Jr., DB, Velva, N.D.), Kalvin Larson (R-Fr., LB, Minot, N.D.) and Warnert all finished with six tackles and Ben Pease (So., DL, Hardin, Mont.) had two sacks and tackles for a loss.

MSU is on the road next week for a pivotal early-season conference matchup with Jamestown College Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

– GO BEAVERS –