MINOT, N.D. – It is that time of the year: the sweet smell of football season, and Minot State is back to kick off the 2024 campaign.

After a busy offseason of roster building in his vision, head coach Ian Shields leads the Beaver pack onto his second season at the helm with another Thursday night home opener at First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium. The Beavers welcome the Valley City State Vikings in a rare non-conference setting to the Magic City for the first time since September 25, 2010. The contest starts at 6 p.m., with pre-game tailgating at 4 p.m.

Thursday marks another year of "Defend the Herb" night. Along with-it being Youth Sports Day, fans can also enjoy free admission to the opener, adding on to the festivities.

Despite the difference in level of competition, Valley City State will present a unique challenge for the Beavers. The Vikings went 7-3 last year and finished as one of North Dakota's best squads in the NAIA. Only Dickinson State had a better record at 9-1 in the 2023 regular season.

New to this season is "Meet the Beavers," where newly converted offensive lineman Emmett Espino appeared as the first guest. "A college football game is a college football game," Espino said. "Winning a college football game is a hard thing to do regardless of who you are playing."

Keys to the game

The first key to a Thursday night victory according to Espino was combating mental errors and the idea of limiting S.I.N. – self inflicted negatives. "We have to protect the ball, we have to get the ball," Espino urged. "With our kind of style of offense, the ball is the most important thing."

Next is playing with physicality up front. "You have to be physical at the point of attack." Espino stressed the importance of playing with high energy, high physicality, and high effort.

Which leads to the final key: a big one is getting the ball to the playmakers. "There's a whole bunch of guys that I'm excited to get the ball."

Key returners for Minot State

As part of the keys to the game, Espino noted a wide swath of players that are going to be critical in the offensive game plan. Some names include Evan Lovett, Carson Chrisman, and gave extra props to the offensive line.

Coming off an injury riddled 2023, Lovett is poised for a better 2024 as the starting running back. Standing behind him is redshirt Sophomore Sam Buckhanan. The Gunnison, Colorado native is in pursuit of a breakout season of his own as Lovett's backup.

The ground game will be a huge support system for newly minted starting quarterback Carson Chrisman, who takes over the reigns as the leader at that position. The Stanwood, Washington Junior looks to make his mark after beginning his college career as a defensive back.

With a good run game comes good blocking up front, which is Espino's new specialty. Alongside him is Jake Swirple, where the starting center returns for his Senior year. The NCAA All-American in wrestling nicknames this unit the "Minot Moving Company" that also features Aidan Shumate, DJ Schneibel, and Matt Sanchez. They will be an integral part in making the offense go.

While the offense endures some big changes, Carson Cayko will have some huge shoes to fill as the new leader on a revamped defensive side of the ball. The Fairview, Montana Senior registered 60.5 tackles last year while on his way to being selected to the 2023 All-NSIC 2^nd Team. The Beavers expect another big season out of Cayko, who is already fifth all-time in tackles and first in tackles for loss. His presence will be leaned on by many newcomers on the defense.

Just like Evan Lovett, Cayko was also named an NSIC Player to watch.

"I'm excited for this year…excited for my teammates and this next year and my last year, last 11 games," Espino said regarding what will be his final season playing college football.

Other notes

The Beavers and Vikings have had many battles over the years, as this in-state rivalry dates all the way back to 1926 when Minot State was in just their second year of football at the time. Currently sitting on a five-game winning streak, the Beavers took the most recent game by a final score of 34-3 when they were an NAIA member school. All-time, Minot State carries a winning record against the Vikings. They are 44-31-3 in the series.

Valley City will make the trip to Minot for the first time in 14 years hoping to reverse fortune. In the NSAA Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Vikings were picked second right behind Dickinson State after finishing with a 6-2 conference record in the 2023 regular season.

Led by head coach Dennis McCulloch in his 28^th season, Valley City State will open 2024 with two non-conference matchups on the road, including at Minot State as the opener.

Minot State will play one non-conference game against the Valley City State Vikings before opening up NSIC play on the road at Southwest Minnesota State on Sep. 7. The game against Valley City marks the first of six home games this season for the Beavers.

In collaboration with the Minot Air Force Base, Minot State will be hosting Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5^th Bomb Wing commander who will deliver the game ball via helicopter on the First Western Bank Field turf.

As a nice touch for the game day experience, the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a limited edition "Defend the Herb" t-shirt. On top of acquiring cool Beaver merch, the game is free admission for all.