The Montana State University-Northern Lights football team wrapped up its final road contest of the 2026 season Saturday, falling 35-21 to Valley City State University.
Northern battled throughout the afternoon, scoring twice in the fourth quarter, but the Vikings maintained their lead to secure the 14-point victory.
The Lights trailed 14-7 at halftime before Valley City State added another touchdown in the third quarter to extend its advantage to 21-7.
Northern got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter when
Malakhi Statler found the end zone on a 10-yard rushing touchdown. The 16-play, 70-yard drive took nearly eight minutes off the clock and gave the Lights some momentum heading into halftime.
The Lights continued to fight in the fourth quarter.
Griffin Terry connected with
Juliun Benson on a 21-yard touchdown pass with 11:10 remaining, capping a 14-play, 78-yard drive. After Valley City State answered with two touchdowns to extend its lead to 35-14, Terry found
Jeramiah Benson for a four-yard touchdown pass with 56 seconds remaining to close out Northern's scoring.
Terry finished the afternoon completing 12 of 21 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the Lights in receiving production, with
Juliun Benson recording five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, while
Jeramiah Benson added six receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown.
On the ground,
Kori Scott paced Northern with 81 yards on 12 carries.
Laighton Scott V added 42 rushing yards, while Statler finished with 40 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively,
Jackson Kink led the Lights with eight total tackles.
Julius Leapai followed with seven tackles, including half a tackle for loss.
Easton Kauffman recorded five tackles and a pass breakup.
Northern finished with 339 yards of total offense, including 179 rushing yards and 160 passing yards. The Lights also converted eight of 17 third-down opportunities and four of five fourth-down attempts.
Valley City State totaled 396 yards of offense and was led by quarterback Brayden Medeiros, who threw for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Jonathan Hunter added 113 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Northern Individual Leaders
Final Score: Valley City State 35, MSU-Northern 21
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