Box Score Havre, Mont.- In a highly anticipated 2016 season opener, the Northern Lights football team battled a talented Rocky Mountain College team under the leadership of senior quarterback Chase White and first year head coach Jason Petrino.  Emotions and spirits were high as the Lights looked to redeem themselves after suffering a season ending loss at the hands of RMC last year.

Northern showed up to compete, but the offense made some very costly turnovers throughout the game that ended up putting the game just out of reach for the Lights with Rocky Mountain winning 31-21.

While the offense had a rough go of it on the day, the Northern defense fought hard all four quarters as they came up with two crucial takeaways: a forced fumble leading to a fumble recovery in the second quarter and an interception in the fourth quarter.  The Lights tallied 29 solo tackles and 61 assisted tackles to combine for 90 total.  Senior defensive back Logan Sprouse played very well for the Lights by recording 6 total tackles, a fumble recovery, and his first interception of the season.  Senior defensive lineman Jordan Brusio also came up big with a sack that led to a loss of yardage. 

Leaders on the offensive side were senior running back Zach McKinley with 79 yards on 26 attempts and two rushing touchdowns (also finished with 18 receiving yards on 4 catches), senior wide receiver Mario Gobbato with 75 yards on 6 catches, and junior quarterback Jess Krahn with 195 yards in the air and a passing touchdown (completing 19 out of 35 attempts).

Aside from the loss, MSUN saw the return of sophomore wide-out Sam Mix.  Mix (who sustained severe injuries last May) defied the odds of playing college football again by coming up with 2 catches for 31 yards.  It was an emotional return for not only Mix and the team, but also for the community.

Northern looks to refocus as they head into their first bye week and prepare for their first road game against No. 7 Montana Tech in Butte on Sept. 10.