Aberdeen, S.D. – In the 101^st Annual Gypsy Days, the Northern State University football team defeat Minot State 41-28. It was a game of highs and lows for both teams, however the Wolves were able to improve to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the NSIC North, while the Beavers drop to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in the North.
 
The Wolves scored first and early on a 75 yard run by Nicholas Truen on the opening drive play of the game. Truen broke through the Beaver defense and kicked off what would be a 204 yard rushing game for the junior. Minot quickly answered with a one play score of their own and the game was tied at 7-7 with 14:33 on the scoreboard.
 
Northern took the lead which would remain throughout the game with just under seven minutes remaining in the first quarter. Taylor Zemlicka got a hand on a Beaver pass, which was then intercepted by Channing Barber and ran 96 yards for a touchdown. Barber notched the first of two defense scores of the game for the Wolves, as Northern took the 14-7 lead.
 
NSU tacked on another 14 point in the second quarter from Christian McAlvain. The senior notched a 12 yard rushing score to open scoring in the quarter, and also connected with Taylor Houchin for a 47 yard reception to close-out the half. Minot State battle with three more touchdowns in the game, however only came within seven points of the Wolves. McAlvain connected with Chaka Kelly for a 23 yard pass in the third, and outside linebacker Cody Braeger returned an interception for 27 yards in the team's final score of the game.
 
McAlvain threw for 168 yards in the win, completing 9-of-17 passes with two touchdowns. The senior also rushed for another 53 yards and a score of his own. Truen led the Wolves with 204 yards rushing, averaging 9.7 yards per carry in large part to his 75 yard score. Houchin led the Northern receivers with 58 yards and a 47 yard long.
 
Trever Heining led the Wolves defense with six tackles, including a tackle for a total loss of one yard alongside Alex Gray. Gray was second on the team, with Joe Parsley and Chad Stoterau, tallying five tackles each. Parsley notched a team leading two pass break-ups, while Braeger led the team with the lone sack, for a total loss of nine yards. A total of 15 Wolves notched multiple tackles in the win, as the team combined for six tackles for a loss.
 
Northern will hit the road for the next two weekends, beginning at Bemidji State next Saturday. Kick-off between the Wolves and the Beavers is set for 1 p.m. in Bemidji.