(Minot, N.D.) -- The Minot State football team was not able to rebound from a slow start to the game, as they fell against MSU Moorhead 49-20. Despite the loss, there were several positives for the Beavers to take with them as they head into the next game.
 
MSU Moorhead was able to score three touchdowns before the Beavers answered with a score of their own. The Beavers drive was set up by a big kick return from Lavante Bushnell. Bushnell returned the kickoff 57 yards to the MSU Moorhead 33-yard line. From there, Ali Mohamed was able to rip off a 33-yard touchdown run on the first play of the drive. Unfortunately for the Beavers, the remainder of the second half would see the Dragons score two more touchdowns to take a 35-7 lead into halftime.
 
The second half would go much better for the Beavers, starting with their second drive of the second half. The Beavers would take over at their 10-yard line and take it 90 yards on 16 plays. The drive ended with a record for Minot State as Lavante Bushnell and Ben Bolinske connected on a 13-yard touchdown pass. The 18th receiving touchdown of Bushnell's career would result in him breaking the record for touchdown receptions in the division II era. The Dragons would fumble on the first play of the ensuing drive. The Beavers would capitalize by scoring three on the 23-yard field goal. The next drive, however, would not go as well for the Beavers defensively as the Dragons would connect on a 73-yard touchdown pass, expanding their lead to 42-17. The Beavers, however, would put together a third straight scoring drive. With the drive starting at the MSU Moorhead 45-yard line after a 29-yard return on a squib kick by Kieran Reilly, the Beavers would take the ball 37 yards on ten plays, leading to a 25-yard field goal from JoseLuis Moreno. The Beavers would fall 49-20.
 
Game Notes:
Despite the loss, the Beavers were still effective on the ground, gaining 170 rushing yards · The Beavers gained a total of 295 offensive yards · Ali Mohamed continued his outstanding freshman season, running for over 100 yards for the second time this season · Lavante Bushnell broke the DII era receiving touchdown record for Minot State, and was also dangerous as a returner, forcing MSU Moorhead to start employing squib kicks · Isaiah Bigby continues to lead the defense as a freshman, making eight tackles in the game.
 
Up Next:
The Beavers head to St. Cloud, Minn. to take on the Huskies of St. Cloud State University next Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
 
Media: For more information, contact the Coordinator of Sports Information Josh Van Valkenburg-Gernert