The Montana State University-Northern Lights mounted a fourth-quarter comeback but came up short Saturday afternoon, falling 42-33 to Dakota State University at Tilleman Field.
Dakota State jumped out to a 21-0 first-quarter lead, scoring three touchdowns through the air. The Lights responded in the second quarter, putting together an impressive offensive stretch to cut into the deficit.
Griffin Terry connected with
Duke Williamson for a five-yard touchdown pass to get Northern on the scoreboard. After Dakota State answered with a touchdown, Terry found
Jeramiah Benson for a 61-yard scoring strike, bringing the Lights within 28-13.
Northern continued its momentum late in the first half when Terry connected with Williamson again, this time for a 15-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, sending the Lights into halftime trailing 28-19.
Neither team found the end zone in the third quarter, setting up an exciting final period.
Dakota State opened the fourth quarter with a touchdown to extend its advantage to 35-19. Northern answered quickly as Terry found Benson for a seven-yard touchdown, with
Isaiah Woodley hauling in the two-point conversion to make it 35-27.
The Lights' defense came up with a stop, and Northern continued to battle.
Holton Miguel broke loose for a five-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the Lights within two at 35-33 with just over five minutes remaining. However, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Dakota State added a late touchdown with 1:55 remaining to secure the 42-33 victory.
Terry led the Northern offense, completing 21 of 33 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns. He connected with Benson seven times for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Williamson added six receptions for 95 yards and two scores.
Miguel paced the ground game with 51 yards on three carries, including a 37-yard run and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Lights recorded three interceptions.
Brady Smelser returned an interception 27 yards,
Benjamin Lehnerz added an eight-yard return, and
Ty'Shaun Raine recorded another interception.
Jackson Kink led Northern with eight total tackles, while
Braydon Cline finished with six tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss.
Benjamin Lehnerz and
Jameson Stephens also contributed six tackles apiece.
Northern finished with 373 yards of total offense, including 287 passing yards and 86 rushing yards. The Lights also converted all four of their red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
Dakota State finished with 468 total yards, including 356 through the air, but Northern's second-quarter surge and fourth-quarter rally kept the contest competitive until the final minutes.
Final Score: Dakota State 42, Montana State-Northern 33
Northern Leaders
