Box Score

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Sophomore quarterback Eric Ellingson threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third, but it wasn't enough as the Northern State University Wolves dropped their fifth straight game of the season to the host Bemidji State University Beavers Saturday night by a final score of 31-20 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football action.

The loss drops the Wolves to 0-5 on the year and 0-4 in NSIC play, while Bemidji State moves to 2-3 overall and 1-3 in the league.

The Beavers took an early lead after scoring 10 points in 24 seconds, capitalizing on a missed field goal and an NSU fumble.  Paul Potemra connected on a 22-yard field goal at the 2:13 mark to make it a 3-0 game.  The Wolves promptly turned the ball over on the first play of their ensuing drive to set BSU up at the NSU 36-yardline.  Beaver quarterback Derek Edholm connected with George Kadlec on a 37-yard TD pass on the very next play to go up 10-0.

BSU added a third score to their growing lead early in the second quarter after Jake Anderson returned an interception to the NSU 3-yardline, followed by a Eurise Watson run that made it a 17-0 game.

The Wolves, however, answered right back, moving 53 yards on six plays to score their first touchdown of the game.  A 3-yard Ellingson strike to running back Jerry Brooks capped that drive.

The Beavers scored again two possessions later when a second Watson TD dash made it a 24-7 game with 2:13 left in the game.

NSU regained some momentum just before halftime when junior receiver Marty Ponzo came up with a 39-yard “hail mary” pass from Ellingson as time expired in the second period. 

After a scoreless third quarter, the Beavers got back on the board at the 10:35 mark of the fourth period on a third Watson touchdown run.

The Wolves countered with a touchdown of their own at the 2:22 mark.  Ellingson accounted for his third TD of the day when he scored on a 6-yard quarterback draw, which made it 31-20.  The 2-point conversion attempt failed, as did the ensuing onside kick attempt, and the Beavers ran out the remainder of the clock to preserve the win.

Ellingson completed 25 of 39 passes for 238 yards.  The sophomore was also sacked five times for 21 yards.  Ponzo came up big on the receiving end of those passes as he came up with eight catches for 99 yards and the TD score in the first half.

Ponzo and Brooks led the way on the ground for the Wolves, picking up 22 yards apiece in a limited NSU running attack.

Defensively, linebacker Anthony Ponzo and defensive end Bryar Johnson led the way for the Wolves.  Ponzo had 11 total tackles, while Johnson had eight total tackles, including 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage.  The senior was credited with 2.5 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Watson provided the bulk of the Beaver offense, despite only having 63 yards on the ground.  The junior scored three touchdowns on the day, while also catching one ball for nine yards.

Edholm also had a solid day at his quarterback position, throwing for 264 yards and the first-half TD strike to Kedlac.  Kedlack had four catches for 91 yards for the Beavers.

NSU will return home next weekend to host Minnesota, Crookston on Oct. 4 as part of the school's annual Gypsy Days/Homecoming festivities.  Kickoff for that contest is slated for 2:30 p.m. at Clark Swisher Stadium.