20-12: NDSCS Rally Forces MCAC Title Shot
Wildcats erased a 12-0 halftime deficit against Minnesota State Technical and Community College with two key interceptions and three touchdowns.
By Stella Brooks ·
The NDSCS Wildcats defeated the Minnesota State Technical and Community College Spartans 20-12 on Sunday, November 1. The victory secures a spot in the MCAC championship game for the Wildcats. They enter the contest as the team that came back from a double-digit hole to win.
The first half belonged to the Spartans. Quarterback Nolan Sharapata connected with Vince Ketchup on a 17-yard pass for the first score. Ketchup caught a second touchdown pass before the break. The Spartans held a 12-0 lead at halftime after failing to convert on both extra point attempts and a two-point play.
The Wildcats offense struggled early in the second half. Rynden Olson missed a field goal on the opening drive. The defense, however, changed the momentum. Edward Banks recorded two interceptions. Mathew Rahming also picked off a Spartan pass late in the game.
Darius Jones scored the first Wildcat touchdown on a 34-yard run. This cut the deficit to 12-7. Jeremiah Gibson followed with an eight-yard receiving score to give NDSCS the lead at 14-12. Jailen Vaughn capped the scoring with a rushing touchdown. The Wildcats missed their only extra point attempt of the night.
The team now prepares for the MCAC championship game. They face Minnesota North College Mesabi-Range next Sunday. The contest is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in Rochester, Minnesota.
