The Montana State University–Northern Lights opened the 2026 football season Thursday evening, battling back in the second half but ultimately falling to Carroll College, 30-14, at Nelson Stadium.
Carroll jumped out to an early lead, scoring 23 unanswered points during the first half. The Saints found the end zone three times in the opening two quarters and added a field goal just before halftime to take a 23-0 advantage into the break.
The Lights responded with a strong second-half effort. Northern got on the scoreboard midway through the third quarter when
Malakhi Statler connected with
Cale White on a 26-yard touchdown pass, cutting Carroll's lead to 30-7.
MSUN continued to battle throughout the fourth quarter and added another touchdown when Statler found
Isaiah Woodley for a seven-yard scoring strike. The Lights' defense kept Carroll off the scoreboard after the early third-quarter touchdown, but the Saints' first-half advantage proved too much to overcome.
Statler led the Lights' offensive attack, finishing with
334 total yards while accounting for both of MSUN's touchdowns through the air. White turned in a strong receiving performance with
138 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Woodley added the fourth-quarter touchdown reception.
Despite the 30-14 final, the Lights showed resilience in the second half, outscoring Carroll 14-7 after halftime and continuing to compete until the final whistle.
The Lights will have their home opener on Saturday September 5. Kick off at 1pm.
