Minot State football returns to First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium on Thursday, hosting Wayne State in a 6 p.m. kickoff to open Week 2. 

Despite a 36-30 loss in their season opener, Minot State enters Week 2 with plenty of confidence after a performance that showcased the potential of the 2026 squad.

The Beavers piled up more than 500 yards of total offense in the season opener, including more than 300 yards on the ground. The offense consistently moved the ball and put themselves in a position to come away with a victory, but seven points left on the board from missed extra points ultimately proved to be the difference in the six-point loss. 

For head coach Ian Shields, however, the performance provided plenty of reasons to be encouraged about what his team can accomplish moving forward. 
"I think we have a chance to do some really special things this year based on what we saw last week," Shields said.

Rather than dwelling on the result, the Beavers will look to carry the positives from the opener into their second game of the season.

The strong rushing performance was one of the biggest highlights of the opener, with the Beavers establishing themselves on the ground and creating opportunities for the offense to consistently move the chains. The team's ability to generate more than 300 rushing yards will be something to watch as they enter Week 2. 

At the same time, the Beavers will look to clean up the mistakes that kept an impressive offensive showing from becoming a season-opening victory. The missed kicks provided a clear lesson that small details can have a major impact on a close game. 

With the first game of the season now behind them, Minot State has an opportunity to build on its performance against Wayne State, a new challenge that will test the team in a different way. 
"Wayne is a formidable opponent. They have excellent defense and a really strong offense," Shields spoke of the upcoming opponent. "We know we have a challenge in front of us. But again, our focus is internal." 

For Coach Shields and his players, the focus remains on making the most of each opportunity. 

"We play because we love to play. We're excited about another opportunity to play here. These are precious. We get one chance a week, and it's precious," Shields said. 

After coming within one score of victory, Minot State will look to turn its promising start into its first win of the season when it takes the field in Week 2.  
Kickoff between Minot State and Wayne State is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at Herb Parker Stadium. 

Beavers to watch:
OFFENSE:

• Matt Shinn (#7) - 41 passing yards, 82 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown against Emporia State
• Jett Lundeen (#16) - 113 passing yards,1 passing touchdown against Emporia State
• Brandon Hines Jr. (#2) - 153 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns against Emporia State
• Sam Buckhanan (#44) - 81 rushing yards, 1 receiving touchdown against Emporia State
• Matyas Bily (#14) - 52 yards on 4 receptions against Emporia State

DEFENSE:

• Jabez Tuaoa (#10) - 5 solo tackles, 1 sack against Emporia State
• Austin Young (#8) - 4 solo tackles against Emporia State
• Conner Raetzman (#20) - 5 solo tackles against Emporia State
• Diego Betancourt (#43) - 1 interception, 4 solo tackles against Emporia State