MINOT, N.D. – They got it done in the opener, and then followed it up with a commanding victory on the road to get the season started off hot. Minot State football returns to First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium for Homecoming weekend with ambitions to carry on a two-game winning streak.

Head Coach Ian Shields says the guys are excited, especially with Homecoming providing a different energy to the game day atmosphere. "There is a special significance for everybody on campus and all our alumni coming back to campus so it's an exciting time. A lot of pageantry and all that comes with that for everybody in the community." Even amidst the festivities, coach Shields reminded his players it is still an important time to play some good football.

The challenger coming to Minot will be the Northern State Wolves. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Minot State (2-0, 1-0 NSIC) hosts Northern State (0-2, 0-1 NSIC) on Homecoming, where the Wolves have not had the start they were hoping for. While a non-conference loss to D1 University of South Dakota in week one gives the Wolves a little bit of grace, the first matchup of conference play was less than ideal for Northern.

The Wolves fell to the University of Sioux Falls last week in a 34-10 defeat at home. Offensively, it was a rough go coming out of the gate as they did not score their first points in NSIC play until 14 seconds left in the third quarter last week versus the Cougars. If there is one thing NSU has going for them, it is that they have given the Beavers a challenge since Minot State went D2. The Beavers look to turn the tide following a 46-9 loss in the previous meeting with Northern back on October 7, 2023.

Coach Shields repeated as such knowing what stands in front of them. "Northern State is a quality opponent…we know we have our hands full," Shields mentioned. "We know Northern's a proud program and they got a talented talented roster."

Despite the slow start, the Wolves shine a few bright spots on the roster. Hank Kraft is the featured bell-cow running back with 148 rushing yards and 5.9 yards per carry. Defensively, Jake Adams has been everywhere on the field. He has recorded 16 tackles including a sack and tackle for loss so far in the season.

For the Beavers, it is all about playing their brand of football and not worrying about what the other side presents, which is what coach Shields focused on. With much improvement through two games, the running game and defensive unit look to continue their hot stretch heading into week three. The offense features a commitment to the run game, as two players have over 150 yards on the ground. Running back Evan Lovett leads the way with 176 and a score, while quarterback Carson Chrisman has done a bit of running himself with 167 and four touchdowns. Erik Palmquist had a nice breakout game for his 2024 campaign, as he jumped to 98 yards pounding the rock and reaching the end zone twice. Sam Buckhanan is not far behind him, as he has 87. While the numbers pop off tremendously, more credit is due for the "Minot Moving Company" offensive line, consisting of Jake Swirple, Matt Sanchez, Emmett Espino, Aidan Shumate, and DJ Schneibel. They have not given up a sack in both games played so far.

Last week defensively, it was a performance for the ages no matter what level of football it was. When you get four defensive touchdowns, including 3 pick-6s and a scoop and score, the odds of winning are huge. For the Beavers, Nalu Cordeiro was not only the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week, but also the D2 National Defensive Player of the week with his two interceptions versus Southwest Minnesota that were returned to the end zone. Cordeiro on the season has 3 passes picked off to lead the Beavers, followed by Deuce Carr with two and hard-hitting corner Myzel Williams with one. Williams also leads the team in tackles with 10, along with 3 tackles for loss by Carson Cayko.

The Beavers want to continue to dictate play and time of possession, and that does not change against Northern State. "It starts with a great effort, we got to play hard…we need to win the turnover battle and play our style hopefully physical, fast, aggressive; we are different. We play defense differently than most people and we play offense differently than most people," Shields said as he gets his team ready for battle and taking charge on the home turf.

Other notes:

• The Homecoming parade starts at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Minot and ends at MSU campus
• Tailgate begins at 11:30 a.m. at the northeast Dome parking lot (Lot L)
• On top of Homecoming, it is also Hall of Fame weekend.
• Minot State Athletics will be honoring new inductees to the Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, including Bart Archdekin, Joe Engler, Tina Kirkpatrick, Jennifer (Sundahl) Becker, Nolan Taylor, Bob Sando, and the 1972-73 men's wrestling team.
• There will be a sibling rivalry taking place on the field between Minot State and Northern State, as the Grossinger brothers are set to square off. Linebacker Cody Grossinger (Minot) faces defensive lineman Logan Grossinger (Northern) in a battle for who gets bragging rights in the family.