MINOT, ND -- The Minot State Beavers close out their 2025 season at home this Saturday, November 15, hosting nationally ranked #8/11 Minnesota Duluth for Senior Day at First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm as the Beavers (3-7 overall, 3-6 NSIC) take on a Duluth team (9-1, 8-1 NSIC) that has been among the Northern Sun's top contenders all season.
 
Saturday marks the final game of the regular season for Minot State and a chance to build off last week's 49-28 victory over Northern State. The Beavers' dominant performance in Aberdeen featured over 300 rushing yards, no turnovers, and a perfect 7-for-7 conversion rate on fourth down. Head coach Ian Shields said that type of game reflected exactly what his program strives for: "Certainly it was our best performance of the year. There were some outstanding individual efforts, but it was really more about the team. Offensively, it was an identity-defining day—holding the ball for 47 minutes and 43 seconds, which is a national and school record. That sets everything."
 
The Beavers now face a major test against a Bulldogs squad coming off another strong season. "They're the top-rated team in the conference," Shields said. "They're a traditional power. They do a great job, they're physical, talented, and fast. We'll have to play our very best football to compete."
 
Saturday also carries added emotion as Minot State celebrates Senior Day, honoring 16 student-athletes who have helped shape the program: Gabe Johnson, LaRon White, AJ Conteh, Will Dampier, Trevor Jungman, Justin Proffitt, Zach Malpica, Cody Raetzman, Max Bray, Jalen Corprew, Noah Iosefa, Jonathan Noriega, Cody Grossinger, Evan Lovett, Carson Chrisman, and Beau Shields.
 
Shields expressed deep appreciation for the group and what they've contributed to the Beavers' culture. "It's a special group of young men," he said. "I can't say enough about them. They're like sons to me—all of them. It's a celebration to get these guys to the finish line, see them graduate, and know that they'll always be part of this family."
 
Beyond the season finale, Shields emphasized the progress his team has made throughout the year. "There's been a ton of growth," he said. "We've played four freshmen on the offensive line all season long, which is unheard of in this conference, and we're still leading the NSIC in rushing and ranking top-five nationally. We've improved in the kicking game and in all three phases. There's reason for optimism moving forward."
 
As Minot State prepares for Duluth, Shields said the formula remains the same: "We need to play really good football. The key is ball-control offense, running our style, being opportunistic defensively, and playing on the edge in all three phases. We're not scared—we have to make plays when the chances are there."
 
The Beavers and Bulldogs will kick off at 1:00 pm Saturday, November 15, in Minot, closing the 2025 regular season with a celebration of Minot State's seniors and one final opportunity to finish the year strong in front of the home crowd.