MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State football team returns to First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium on Saturday, hosting in-state rival University of Mary for a Halloween showdown at 2 p.m.
The Beavers enter the matchup at 2-6 overall and 2-5 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play, looking to build on their strength in the running game against a well-rounded Marauders squad that enters at 3-5 overall and 2-5 in conference play.
Historically, Minot State holds an 8-6 advantage in the series against UMary and has won all but one of its home matchups against the Marauders, with the lone exception coming in 2014. However, the Beavers have dropped their last two meetings with UMary, in 2023 and 2025, and will look to reverse that trend on their home field.
Through nine weeks of the season, Minot State ranks No. 2 among all NCAA Division II programs in rushing offense, establishing a powerful ground attack that will be tested against a physical UMary defense.
"There's a lot to play for, it'll be a big football game," Minot State head coach Ian Shields said. "They're a challenge in all phases of the game, they're unique in the kicking game, and they're playing well defensively."
Despite their six losses, the Beavers have remained competitive, with four defeats coming by a single possession. Saturday presents an opportunity to defend their home field against a familiar opponent in a matchup between two teams with identical conference records.
"We're both teams in similar places – it will be a good matchup Saturday," Shields said.
The contest marks Minot State's second-to-last home game of the season and Shields' first opportunity to face the Marauders at home since taking over as head coach. With the season winding down, the Beavers will look to make the most of their remaining opportunities in front of the home crowd.
"It's always nice to be at home, and this is the first time since I've been here we've had the opportunity to play Mary at home," Shields said. "The sand in the hourglass is running out for our seniors – I believe our guys will be excited to play."
Minot State enters Saturday averaging 31.25 points per game while allowing 30.75. Mary, meanwhile, averages 18.25 points per game while allowing 26.38. The Beavers hold a substantial advantage in rushing production, having accumulated nearly 2,000 more rushing yards than the Marauders. UMary has found more success through the air, however, recording more than 1,700 passing yards compared to Minot State's 578.
The contrasting offensive strengths set up an intriguing matchup, with Minot State looking to establish its ground game and UMary seeking to capitalize through the air. Execution and ball security will be key for the Beavers as they look to control the tempo and generate scoring opportunities.
"We just have to do what we do," Shields said. "We play well offensively, as long as we execute and take care of the football, good things will happen for us."
Minot State will look to its senior leadership to set the tone, with running backs Brandon Hines Jr. and Sam Buckhanan and offensive lineman Aidan Shumate among those expected to help lead the way. Meanwhile, younger players have continued to emerge and contribute as the season progresses.
"Jaden Fox has really emerged, and Jett Lundeen is a true sophomore. We've got some young guys out there doing good things," Shields added. "That's a real positive."
With three games remaining on the schedule, the Beavers will look to put together a complete performance against their in-state rival and earn a win on their home field.
"The goal is to go 1-0 this week, just like the goal is every week, and we have an opportunity to do that this week," Shields said.
Players to WatchÂ
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