The Montana State University-Northern Lights football team put together a competitive effort against Dickinson State University on Saturday afternoon but came up short in a 42-32 decision at home.
The Lights traded scores with the Blue Hawks throughout the first half, using a pair of big offensive plays to stay within striking distance. Northern finished the afternoon with 323 yards of total offense, including 232 passing yards and 91 rushing yards.
Northern opened the scoring when Malakhi Statler connected with Isaiah Woodley on a 29-yard touchdown pass, capping an 11-play, 52-yard drive. Dickinson State answered late in the first quarter to even the score at 7-7.
The Lights regained the lead early in the second quarter when Laighton Scott broke free for a 60-yard rushing touchdown, putting Northern ahead 14-7.
Dickinson State responded with an interception return for a touchdown to tie the game. Northern answered with a 33-yard field goal from Tate O'Neill to regain a 17-14 advantage. The Blue Hawks added another touchdown before halftime to take a 21-17 lead into the break.
Northern continued to battle in the third quarter. After Dickinson State extended its lead, Jackson Kink recovered a fumble in the end zone for a Northern touchdown, bringing the Lights within 21-24. The Blue Hawks answered with another touchdown to take a 28-24 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Dickinson State added two more scores in the final period to extend its lead to 42-24. Northern continued to fight, as Griffin Terry connected with Juliun Benson on a 38-yard touchdown pass with just over a minute remaining. Terry added a successful two-point conversion to make the final score 42-32.
Statler led the Northern passing attack, completing 20 of 40 attempts for 179 yards and a touchdown. Terry provided a spark late, completing both of his pass attempts for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Benson led the receiving corps with six catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. Jeramiah Benson added four receptions for 66 yards, while Woodley finished with six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.
On the ground, Laighton Scott led Northern with 66 yards on six carries, highlighted by his 60-yard touchdown run.
Defensively, Northern recorded seven sacks and limited Dickinson State to 303 total yards. The Lights also forced three turnovers, including an interception and two fumble recoveries.
