MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State football team returns to First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium on Saturday, November 7, for its final home game of the 2026 season, welcoming the Northern State Wolves for a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matchup on Senior Day. 

"This is a big game, it's our last home game of the season," Minot State football head coach Ian Shields said. "Every week it's a big game in this conference... that doesn't deviate." 

The Beavers (3-6, 3-5 NSIC) enter the contest with momentum following a thrilling 34-31 victory over in-state rival UMary last Saturday. Minot State secured the Battle for the Big Lake Trophy in dramatic fashion, as quarterback Jett Lundeen connected with Matyas Bily for a 28-yard touchdown with just 44 seconds remaining to give the Beavers the lead for good. 

The victory showcased the Beavers' ability to compete until the final whistle, as they overcame an early 10-point deficit and answered each of UMary's attempts to regain control. Minot State will look to carry that momentum into its final home appearance of the season against a Northern State squad that presents one of the conference's toughest defensive challenges. 

Northern State (6-3, 5-3 NSIC) enters the weekend following a 31-24 loss to Augustana, but the Wolves have established themselves as a formidable opponent throughout the season. Their defense allows just 19.11 points per game, ranking among the best in the NSIC, while their offense averages 22.44 points and 357.3 total yards per contest. 

"We've had battles with Northern since we've been here," head coach Ian Shield said. "I know they've probably had this one circled on their calendar as well." 

Despite the difference in overall records, the matchup features two offenses with distinct strengths. Minot State has built its identity around one of the conference's most productive rushing attacks, while Northern State presents a more balanced offensive approach. 

The Beavers have accumulated 2,970 net rushing yards through nine games, averaging 330 yards per contest. That production places Minot State among the nation's most productive rushing offenses at the NCAA Division II level and gives the Beavers a significant advantage in ground production over the Wolves, who average 199.3 rushing yards per game. 

Leading the charge is Brandon Hines Jr., who has accumulated 1,204 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Hines Jr. has averaged an impressive 8.7 yards per carry, establishing himself as one of the most productive running backs in the conference. 

However, the Beavers' rushing success extends well beyond their leading back. Jett Lundeen has contributed 550 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while Jaden Fox has added 490 yards. Sam Buckhanan (362 yards) and Matt Shinn (217 yards) provide additional production, giving head coach Ian Shields' triple-option offense multiple weapons to keep opposing defenses on their heels. 

That offensive depth will be particularly important against a Northern State defense that has surrendered just 138.1 rushing yards per game. The Wolves have also limited opponents to 19.11 points per contest, making their defensive front a major test for the Beavers' ground game. 

"They do a really nice job, but they're playing outstanding defense," Shields said regarding the Wolves. "I would say the strength with their team is their defense." 

On the other side of the ball, Northern State features one of the most productive individual runners in the conference in Hank Kraft. Kraft has accumulated 1,504 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, accounting for approximately 84 percent of the Wolves' total rushing production. His 8.8 yards per carry make him a significant threat for opposing defenses. 

Kraft is coming off a historic performance against Augustana, rushing for 329 yards and two touchdowns while setting Northern State's single-game school rushing record. The Beavers will need a disciplined defensive effort to contain Kraft and prevent the Wolves from establishing their ground game. 

Minot State showed what its defense is capable of in last weekend's victory, holding UMary to just 34 rushing yards while recording four sacks and nine tackles for loss. Linebacker Austin Young led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, while Conner Raetzman contributed nine tackles. NFL Academy alum Meshach Arthur also had 2.5 tackles for loss for 18 yards. The Beavers will look to replicate that physicality against a Northern State offense that averages 357.3 total yards per game. 

"It's what we do, we don't deviate," Shields added. "We do what we do for these games." 

While the matchup presents a significant challenge, Minot State has demonstrated its ability to compete with some of the NSIC's top programs. Four of the Beavers' six losses this season have come by seven points or fewer, including narrow defeats against Emporia State, Wayne State, Augustana, and MSU Moorhead. 

"The goal is to be 1-0 each week," said Shields. We're a few plays away from having a different season too and sitting where they're at." 

Saturday's contest also carries additional significance as Minot State recognizes its seniors and fifth-year student-athletes in their final appearance at Herb Parker Stadium. Among the Beavers' veteran leaders being recognized are running backs Brandon Hines Jr. and Sam Buckhanan, offensive lineman Aidan Shumate, defensive lineman Julian Kameristy, safeties Kevin Speed and Diego Betancourt, and linebackers Conner Raetzman and Austin Young. 

"It would be a great way to send the seniors off with a hard-earned victory against a team we have a lot of respect for," said Shields. 

With their final home appearance approaching, the Beavers will look to reward their senior class with another strong performance in front of a home crowd. A win would give Minot State back-to-back victories and provide additional momentum heading into the season finale at University of Minnesota Duluth. 

"It will be a great atmosphere," Shields said on the home advantage. "We had a great atmosphere last week against Mary at the Herb, and we need all the Beaver fans out there to get out there and support us." 

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, at First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium.