Game Day 9-14-2018

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Notebook: Dawgs, Yotes going in different directions is to somehow win the Frontier title outright.

■ From Page 11 posite directions.

UM-Western, picked seventh in the Frontier Coaches Poll, is off to a fast start, beating Carroll and Northern to open the season. The preseason pick isn’t the only reason Western has been a surprise thus far, it’s been the play of a pair of new starters on offense.

Last year, Western quarterback Bennett Gibson threw for over 3,000 yards and running back Hunter Thomsen rushed for over 900.

Both graduated in the spring, and, it figured to have a lasting effect on the Bulldog offense.

Wrong.

So far this fall, Western is leading the Frontier in scoring at 36 ppg, and is second in total offense. Sophomore quarterback Jon Jund has been outstanding thus far, and the Bulldogs are rushing by committee, and it’s working, after they plowed over Northern to the tune of 340 yards last Saturday night.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum is the College of Idaho. The Yotes were a sexy pick to contend for the Frontier title this season, but, a pair of close, early-season losses by the less than a touchdown, and a difficult loss to Montana Tech, has left C of I at 0-3 in the Frontier to start the year. And it doesn’t get any easier, as the Yotes step out of conference play, and go way, way up to play Big Sky Conference member Portland State this Saturday. Unless C of I pulls off a miracle in Portland, the Yotes are going to be 0-4 before September is even over, and, with that, the only chance they have to make the playoffs

Bounce Back Give Rocky Mountain head coach Jason Petrino and his Battlin’ Bears a ton of credit.

One week ago, RMC was riding high, 2-0 and headed for greatness. Then comes the news the Bears were forced to forfeit their seasonopening win over Carroll College, and that news came just days before the Bears were set to host 13th-ranked Dickinson State in a huge non-conference clash in Billings.

A situation like that could have derailed Rocky, but instead, the Bears bucked down, and rode a hard-nosed defense to a 21-10 win over the Blue Hawks at Herb Klindt Field.

The forfeit of the Carroll game could have certainly hurt Rocky against the resurgent Blue Hawks, but, RMC focused and got the job done. And while the damage could be felt later in the season, if Rocky comes down to being tied for the league title, for this week anyway, all is back to normal in Billings.

Frontier Honors Southern Oregon's Rey Vega was named Frontier Offensive Player of the Week. Vega, a 5-10, 205-pound running back from Modesto, California, rushed for 158 yards and two touchddowns in SOU's win over C of I last Saturday.

Eastern Oregon's Justin Hughes was named Frontier Defensive Player of the Week. He is a 5-10, 185-pound defensive back from Longdale, Nevada. In EOU's loss to Montana Tech, Hughes had 13 tackles and an interception.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern's Chase Gilbert has an interception in each of the Lights' last two games.

Gilbert and the Lights return home to host the Carroll College Fighting Saints for homecoming Saturday at 1 p.m.

HOME COMING

9.14

FRI

7:00 pm - Volleyball against Lewis - Clark State College @ the Armory Gymnasium 8:30 pm - Lights Social @ the Oxford Bar

MORE INFO AT NORTHERNAF.ORG

9.15

SAT

10:00 am - Maroon & Gold Spirit Brunch @ the Diesel Technology Center 11:00 am - Lights Tailgate @ Havre Stadium 01:00 pm - Kickoff against Carroll College Fighting Saints 06:00 pm - Alumni Block Party between Old Station Brewing & the Eagle’s Club

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Staying in the Mix

Northern senior Sam Mix had his world turned upside down in a horrific way. But, through courage and toughness, he fought back to play the game football again Chris Peterson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com

To say that Sam Mix went through trials and tribulations during his college football career would be an understatement.

But despite everything that’s happened, the stabbing attack that could have taken his life and left him gravely injured; the four head coaches he has played under at Montana

State University-Northern, plus all the other hardships every student-athlete goes through, Mix has never given up, and in the end, that perseverance has paid off, not just on the gridiron but in the classroom as well.

Now, precisely due to that toughness and mental fortitude, Mix is not only playing his fourth and final season for the Lights, he’s going to walk away with a college degree this spring.

“I have seen it all, the ups and the downs,” Mix said. “And all of that (football and graduating) means a lot to me. The biggest thing I think is that Northern gave me a chance to come back here when I left the school. I wasn’t fit to play football or anything like that but they still took a chance on me and gave me the same money I was getting prior to what happened to me. So I am extremely grateful to Northern for that.”

Mix was recruited to Northern by former head coach Mark Samson and after he left the program, Mix played the 2014 season un-

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MSU-Northern Lights vs Carroll College Fighting Saints Montana State University-Northern

2017 record: 1-10, 0-10 Head coach: Andrew Rolin

Location: Havre, Mont.

Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium

Nickname: Lights

Streak: The Lights haven't beaten Carroll twice in one decade in the history of the program. The beat the Saints in Havre in 2016.

Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2018 record: 0-2, 1-2

Saturday, September 15, 2018 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 1 p.m.

Carroll College

2017 record: 4-6, 4-6 Head coach: Mikle Van Diest

Location: Helena

Stadium: Nelson Stadium

Nickname: Fighting Saints

Streak: Carroll brings a onegame win streak to Havre, but, the Saints are actually 2-1 with their forefeit win over Rocky on Aug. 23.

Colors: Purple and Gold 2018 record: 1-1, 2-1

September 14, 2018

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Battlin' Bears bounce right back George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

It’s always a big deal when Carroll College comes to play a Frontier Conference football game, at any stadium around the conference.

But, it’s an even bigger deal when it’s that teams homecoming, and, on an anniversary too.

That’s the case Saturday when the Fighting Saints come to Blue Pony Stadium for a homecoming showdown with the Montana State University-Northern Lights. And while MSU-N has hosted Carroll several times on homecoming, and during other special occasions, and, while its always big when Carroll, the flagship of the Frontier, comes to Havre, Saturday’s latest meeting the two squads has a special date attached to it.

Yes, this year is a birthday of sorts for the Northern football program, which was resurrected under the late Walt Currie in 1998. The program had been dormant for almost three decades, but, in 98, the Lights were turned back on so to speak.

See Mix Page 6

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior Sam Mix had his world turned upside down in 2015, when he and two friends had to fend off a vicious attack inside his own home during his freshman year as a Northern football player. Mix suffered sever injuries in the attack, and, there was a time when it looked like his football career may be over. But, Mix wanted to return to the Lights and the Lights felt the same way, and since that time, Mix has not only been an outstanding wide receiver at Northern, he's been an inspirational leader on, and off the football field. Now, Mix is in his final season playing for the Lights, and he'll also graduate from Northern this spring. Mix and the Lights play their homecoming game Saturday when they host Carroll College at Blue Pony Stadium.

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So, during homecoming weekend, which is always exciting at MSU-N, members of the 1998 team, which played that first year, essentially as a club sport, are having a reunion, and they’d love to see the community come out and support them in the same way the community will support the current Lights against Carroll Saturday.

And speaking of the Saints, it’s been an interesting week for Carroll. Early in the week, the Saints learned that their 19-0, season-opening loss at Rocky Mountain College had been reversed.

Rocky inadvertently played an ineligible player during the Aug. 23 game, and eventually reported the infraction to the NAIA and Frontier, and with it, came a forfeit.

One week after the loss to Rocky, Carroll

fell again, at UM-Western, and things were starting to look pretty bleak in Helena.

However, that all changed last Saturday when the Saints upended NCAA Division II Linfield College at Nelson Stadium. Carroll has scheduled ambitious games like the Linfield one in the past, and, the Saints have been quite successful in doing so. But, with a possible 0-3 start looming, and the Wildcats coming off a playoff appearance last year, the game was certainly a dangerous one for the Saints.

However, Carroll’s defense showed what purple power is all about as the Saints held the Wildcats to just 72 yards rushing in a 21-14 win.

And that’s what Northern and star running back Jett Robertson will be up against Saturday, a nasty and stingy Carroll defense that

Today in the Frontier Conference

allows just 16 points and 105 yards rushing per outing. And while Carroll’s offense continues to struggle this season, the Saints have hung tough with a defense led by star end Beaugh Meyer, a great group of linebackers, and, standouts in the defensive backfield.

Meanwhile, Robertson was limited to just 51 yards in Northern’s 55-3 loss at UM-Western, but, the junior is still among the top rushers in the Frontier. He comes into Saturday’s homecoming game averaging 105 yards a game, which is third in the Frontier and 11th in the NAIA. Still, with such a stout Carroll defense coming into to try and spoil Northern’s homecoming parade, the Lights will need to do much better on offense than the 6.5 points per game they’ve averaged since their seasonopening win against Mayville State.

Early Trending There’s two surprises right now in the Frontier Conference, and they’re going in op-

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See Notebook Page 12

2018 Frontier Conference Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Southern Oregon; 2. Rocky Mountain; T3.

Montana Tech; T3. College of Idaho; 5. Carroll College; 6. Eastern Oregon; 7. UM-Western; 8.

MSU-Northern Havre Daily News Frontier Conference Week 4 Power Rankings

Carroll College Fighting Saints (1-1, 2-1)

1. Southern Oregon 2. Rocky Mountain College 3. Montana Tech 4. UM-Western 5. Carroll College 6. Eastern Oregon 7. College of Idaho 8. MSU-Northern

At Montana State University-Northern Lights (0-2, 1-2) #23 Montana Tech (2-0, 2-0) at #3 Southern Oregon (2-0, 2-0) in Ashland, Oregon

College of Idaho (0-3, 0-3) at Portland State (0-2, 0-2) in Portland, Oregon

#14 Rocky Mountain (1-1, 2-1) at RV UM-Western (2-0, 2-0) in Dillon, Montana

Full Coverage on Twitter @HavreDaily

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MSU-Northern Rewind

The 1998 Lights: Where it all Began George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Homecoming at Montana State UniversityNorthern is always special. It’s always a time to celebrate. But, this weekend, and especially when the Montana State University-Northern Lights take on Carroll College, special will have a whole new meaning.

As far as football programs go, 20 years isn’t very long to be around. After all, teams like Michigan and Ohio State have been playing for well over 100 years now. Even Montana State and Montana will play each other for the 119th time later this fall.

But, 20 years is exactly how old the Lights are, at least the modern-day version of the Lights. And that’s why this homecoming weekend is a big one at Northern.

After being shuttered for more than two decades, football at Northern was reborn in 1998. It was brought back to life under the legendary, late, Walt Currie, and this weekend, many of those who played on that first Northern team will be back in Havre to celebrate and be honored for their contribution to helping return college football to Havre.

“What I remember the most is just, you had this group of guys, from all over the state, and out of state even, and they were a bunch of guys who missed playing football,” Havre’s Andy Smith, who went to become an NAIA All-American at Northern, said. “A lot of us, we’d been out of high school for a year, or two or even more, and this was an opportunity to compete and play football again, and all of those guys, they really embraced it. Guys like Dan Yeager and Bill Maguire, or a guy like Jason Christenson who had been out of high school for a few years, this was an opportunity, a second chance to play this game they loved playing, and everybody really came together in that way.”

They came together under Currie, who had led Havre High football and wrestling to great success from 1978 to 1987. Other coaches who helped form the beginnings of football at Northern included Havre’s Mickey Williams, Scotty Leeds and Jeff Currie, as well as Jeff Alexander and Mike Stussie, the brother of former Minnesota Viking’s star Todd Stussie.

“Walt Currie was the perfect coach, the perfect man to start the program,” Smith said. “He was a great leader, and someone we all admired. He was a hard-worker, he was tough, he was old-school, and he brought those qualities to our team. We all really admired him and respected him so much.”

No question, Currie was indeed the man for the job of starting a football program in Havre from scratch. And, in 1998, there was no denying, Northern football was born out of humble beginnings.

The Lights played a non-Frontier Conference schedule that first year, with games against club teams from Bozeman and Great Falls, as well as trips to Minot and Williston, North Dakota among others. It wasn’t glamorous, and it was hard work, every day, but,

those who played that first year will always be remembered as the first Northern football team of the modern era.

“We didn’t even have a locker room, really,” Smith, who along with former Blue Ponies Anthony Alavarado, Kendall Griggs, Steve Spangler, Richard Jarvis, Jeff Burt, J.T. Schubert, Seth Pomeroy, Christenson and others, made up a large Havre contingent on the roster, said. “We just each had a folding chair that we’d come in an set our stuff on and get dressed every day. But for a lot of us, none of that stuff mattered. It was about getting back out there, getting a chance to play college football. We really had a great mix of guys too, from all over. You had some guys that were right out of high school, but then you had guys like Darren Fike and Anthony Alvarado and Jason (Christenson), guys who had been out of high school for quite a while, getting another chance to play. So that was the special part, just this group of guys coming together, taking another opportunity to play football. It was a fun atmosphere, and it was a great group of guys for sure.”

And, not only was it fun, the 1998 team, coaches and players, was responsible for something we now take for granted most days, and that’s the fact that, every fall, Havre again has college football. That team in 1998, didn’t find a lot of success, but, through their hard work and dedication to something bigger than all of them, they laid the bricks, the foundation for all future success Northern would go on to have, and with Currie leading the way.

“I played three years, and my third year, things really started to come together,” Smith said. “That year in 2000, we were right there with every team in the conference, We went 4-6, but we lost a bunch of really close games.

We lost twice to Tech by three points, we lost on a last-second field goal to Western, we went down and beat Rocky in Billings. We were really close that year, so you could see what a great job Walt did of getting the program going in the right direction in a hurry. And those guys that played on that first team, they’re the ones who started it all. So that will always be special for all of us.”

Indeed, the 1998 Lights were the foundation, were the beginning, from players like Kino Detrick and Smith and so many others who, not only helped start the program, but would go on to have great careers for the Lights, to every player and every coach who took the field that first year, everything that Northern football is now, and has been since that year, is because of them. Without that first team, the team that came together from all walks of life, and especially without Currie at the helm, and generous donations of so many in the community in those days, Northern football may not be here for us to enjoy, this Saturday, or any Saturday for that matter.

“When I look back on it all now, it’s pretty neat to think about that first year,” Smith said. “From Walt being the great coach and leader that he was, to all the people who helped stepped up and get the program off

Frontier Conference Standings

Montana Tech UM-Western Southern Oregon Rocky Mountain Carroll College Eastern Oregon MSU-Northern College of Idaho

Conf. Overall WL WL

2-0 2-0 2-0 1-1 1-1 1-2 0-2 0-3

2-0 2-0 2-0 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2 0-3

Saturday, Sept 8 UM-Western 55, MSU-Northern 3 Montana Tech 24, Eastern Oregon 17 Rocky Mountain 21, Dickinson State 10 Southern Oregon 35, College of Idaho 28 Carroll College 21, Linfield 15 Saturday, Sept. 15 MSU-Northern vs Carroll College Rocky Mountain at UM-Western College of Idaho at Portland State Montana Tech at Southern Oregon

September 14, 2018

NAIA Coaches Poll

Rec. Pts. Prv. 14. Rocky Mountain 2-1 165 14 1. Saint Francis (Ind) 2-0 366 1 15. Benedictine (Kan.) 2-1 151 12 2. Morningside (Iowa) 2-0 351 3 16. Kansas Wesleyan 2-0 147 21 3. Southern Oregon 2-0 339 4 17. Cumberlands (Ky.) 3-0 127 NR 4. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 2-0 324 5 18. Southeastern (Fla.) 1-1 126 11 5. Northwestern (Iowa) 2-0 308 7 19. Bethel (Tenn.)

2-0 111 NR 6. Marian (Ind.) 2-0 289 15 20. Dickinson State 1-1 106 13 7. Reinhardt (Ga.) 1-1 274 2 21. Saint Xavier 1-2 101 6 8. Concordia (Mich.) 2-0 246 16 22. Arizona Christian 2-0 96 22 9. Georgetown (Ky.) 1-1 227 7 23. Montana Tech 2-0 88 NR 10. Grand View (Iowa) 1-1 218 10 24. Midland (Neb.) 2-0 44 NR 11. Evangel (Mo.) 3-0 271 NR 25. Sterling (Kan.) 1-1 30 17 12. Baker (Kan.) 1-1 196 9 13, Langston (Okla.) 1-0 189 14 Others receiving votes: : Montana Western 14, Faulkner (Ala.) 10, Webber International (Fla.) 7, St. Ambrose (Iowa) 7, Tabor (Kan.) 7, SAGU (Texas) 6, Keiser (Fla.) 5, Avila (Mo.) 5, Hastings (Neb.) 4, Siena Heights (Mich.) 3.

Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Through Week 3

Passing: Kai Quinn, EOU, 278 ypg Receiving: Brendan Kelly, EOU, 118 ypg Receptions: Brendan Kelly, EOU, 7 cpg Rushing: Jed Fike, MT, 147ypg Tackles: Chase Bowe, CC, 31 Sacks: Ryder Rice, RMC, 5.5 sacks INT's: Zack Jacobs, EOU, 4 ints

2018 Lights Coaching Staff

the ground, to all the people in the community who really supported us, it’s really neat.

But most of all, I just think about how special that first team was. It was a great group of guys, and the friendships I made through that first year, so many of those guys have become friends for life. Again, it was just a really special group of guys who were given a second chance, or an opportunity to play college football, and I think we all just really relished that chance, and worked hard to make the most out of it. So it’s really neat to look back now and know you were a part of that.”

Havre Daily News/File Photo The modern era of football at Montana State University-Northern was born in 1998. And the late Walt Currie was the perfect man, and the perfect coach to begin football again at Northern. During MSU-N's homecoming weekend, the 1998 Lights are having a reunion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of football restarting at Northern. The 2018 Lights take on Carroll College Saturday at 1 p.m. at Blue Pony Stadium.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2018 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff includes, Andrew Rolin, Head Coach; Jake Chestnut, Defensive Coordinator; Jonathan Amosa, Running Backs/Tight Ends/Strength and Conditioning; CJ Robertson, Offensive Line/Run Game; Ray Clark, Defensive Backs; John Kocurek, Wide Receivers/ Recruiting; James Amos, Tight Ends; Ollie Ogbu, Defensive Line.

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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters

Carroll College Defensive Starters

MSU-N 2018 Offensive Numbers

CC 2018 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 20 ppg, 6th in Frontier Total offense: 386 ypg, 4th in Frontier

Seth Roemelle #88, 6-0, 190 Receiver

McBride Galt #18, 6-2, 205 Cornerback

Rushing: 131 ypg, 5th in Frontier

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September 14, 2018

MSU-Northern Defensive Starters

CC 2018 Offensive Numbers

MSU-N 2018 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 16 ppg, 3rd in Frontier

Scoring: 42 ppg, last in Frontier

Total defense: 316 ypg, 4th in Frontier

Total defense: 539 ypg, last in Frontier

Rush defense: 105 ypg, 3rd in Frontier

Rush defense: 200 ypg, last in Frontier

Scoring: 10 ppg, last in Frontier

Rolin was hired in December of 2017. He is the fourth fulltime head coach of the Lights since the school reintroduced football. Before coming to Northern he had coaching stops at San Diego, Washington, San Jose State and Libby.

Rolin played QB at San Diego. He is a native of Rancho Cordova, California.

Dylan Schmidt #74, 6-3, 270 Offensive line

Tommy Wilson #22, 6-1, 205 Quarterback

Darius Alexander-Jones #53, 6-3, 280 Offensive line

Beaugh Meyer #32, 6-2, 260 Defensive line

Cole Greff #36, 6-4, 270

Defensive line

Trenton Woodward #56, 6-4, 265 Offensive line

Ryan Handley #73, 6-4, 275 Offensive line

David Petersen #57, 6-1, 250 Defensive line

Craig Klein #39, 6-2, 235 Defensive line

Diego Morales #43, 5-8, 175 Kicker

Marvin Williams #19, 5-10, 155 Receiver

Rushing: 113 ypg, 6th in Frontier

Nate McGree #45, 6-2, 230 Linebacker Ostin Welch #26, 6-2, 170 Safety

ChaseGilbert #49, 6-0, 215 Linebacker Tyler Pallas #92, 6-0, 245 Defensive tackle

Reece Quade #44, 6-3, 230 Linebacker

Morgan McCrary #8, 5-10, 190 Safety

Mike Van Diest Carroll Head Coach

Tanner Steele #70, 6-3, 290 Offensive line

Jaren Maki

#47, 6-2, 215 Linebacker

Justin Pfeifer #55, 6-0, 285 Defensive line

Connor McGree #55, 6-4, 275 Center

Koby Killoy #13, 6-1, 190 Quarterback

J.D. Lyle #64, 6-3, 285 Offensive line

Major Ali #3, 5-8, 200 Running back

Kyle Harrington

Chase Bowen #31, 6-1, 222 Linebacker

#30, 6-0, 230 H-Back

Jake Norby #31, 6-2, 200 Linebacker

Jay Vance #10, 6-2, 225 Linebacker

Alex Hoffman #71, 6-0, 290 Offensive line

Eric Dawson #48, 6-1. 235 Tight end

Jared Eisenbarth #80, 6-1, 205 Tight end Sam Tapia #89, 6-0, 180 Punter

B.J. Hatcher #94, 6-3, 205 Defensive end

Brian FauntLeroy #7, 6-1 202 Safety Wyatt McKinlay #44, 6-0, 210 Fullback

Total offense: 243 ypg, last in Frontier

Willy Clements #68, 6-3, 295 Offensive line

Parker Bernhardt #21, 6-1, 205 Safety

Jett Robertson #2, 5-11, 195 Running Back

Shane Sipes #6, 6-2, 190 Receiver

Caymus Thomas #13, 5-11, 165 Cornerback

Clint Willis #75, 6-7, 300 Offensive line

Andrew Rolin MSU-N Head Coach

Carroll College Offensive Starters

Devariej Criss #34, 5-9, 175 Corner Ryan Beaulieau #2, 5-11, 185 Cornerback

Troy Arnston #14,5-8, 175 Receiver

Josh Kraft

#47, 5-11, 170 Kicker

After 19 years as head coach at Carroll College, Mike Van Diest has led the Fighting Saints to six National Championships, 14 Frontier Conference Championships (including twelve straight titles from 20002011) for one of the most dominating runs in college football history. Van Diest is a 1970 graduate of Helena High School. His career has included stops at his alma mater, the University of Wyoming (76-79, 91-98), the University of Montana (80-85), the University of Massachusetts Amhurst (86), and the Big Ten representative, Northwestern University.

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Pos.

1 TJ Abraham WR 2 Micah Ans DB 2 Ryan Beaulieu DB 3 Major Ali RB 4 Isazah King CB 5 Joe Farris WR 6 Shane Sipes WR 7 Brian FauntLeRoy DB 8 Bobby Cade Mornhinweg WR 9 Colin Sassano LB 10 Reese Hiibel QB 11 Tony Madsen DB 12 Hunter Bledsoe QB 13 Kolby Killoy QB 14 Troy Arntson WR 15 Zach Leahy QB 16 Ryan Arntson RB 17 Stephen Powell K 18 McBride Galt DB 19 Paul Wilson WR 20 Griphen Le RB 21 Parker Bernhardt LB 22 Xavier Pace DB 23 Drew Melton DB 23 Ryan Olson DB 24 Cameron Brown RB 25 Matt Kvech DB 26 Kaleb Adams RB 27 Parker Stenersen DB 28 Jack McIntyre RB 29 Brytton Weber WR 30 Colbey Bruney DB 30 Kyle Harrington TE 31 Chase Bowen LB 32 Beaugh Meyer DT 33 Tyler Matteucci OLB 34 Rex Irby DB 35 Sam Liday WR 36 Cole Greff DE 37 Liam Vincent DB 38 Stephen Lindsey RB 39 Craig Kein LB 40 Payton Sexe DL 41 Zachary Hanser DB 42 Dylan Kresge LB 43 Thomas Robitaille LB 44 Reece Quade LB 44 Corbin Walker RB 45 Nate McGree LB 46 Jacob Resch LB 47 Josh Kraft K 48 Eric Dawson TE 48 Tristen Lewis LB 49 John Thomson LB 50 Conor McKenna LB 51 Josh Vaughn LB 52 Alex Reid DL 54 Hunter Mycke LB 55 Connor McGree OL 56 Luke Gleasman OL 57 David Petersen DL 58 Brandon Ahlgren OL 59 Dustin McLean OL 60 Bridger Arvanetes OL 61 Jack Peed DL 62 Jay Todd OL/DL 63 Andrew Carter OL 64 J.D Lyle OL 65 Henry Cadonau OL 66 Bradyn Swanson OL 68 Willy Clements OL 69 Tyler Hunter OL/DL 70 Tanner Steele OL

Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown 5-8 5-11 5-11 5-7 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-6 5-7 5-7 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-0 5-9 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-4

178 165 185 200 190 190 198 195 195 200 175 202 180 190 170 205 180 145 205 175 210 202 175 190 165 195 190 185 160 182 185 180 230 225 275 226 200 200 270 210 195 232 250 235 225 225 232 210 230 215 170 235 200 210 205 230 255 230 275 250 245 275 270 250 245 250 305 285 260 305 295 250 280

R-Fr. Powell, Wyo. / Powell HS Fr. Billings, Mont. / Billings Senior HS Sr. Las Vegas, Nev. / Palo Verde HS Jr. Gig Harbor, Wash. / Peninsula HS Jr. Hidden Valley, Calif. / Lower Lake HS So. Meridian, Idaho / Mountain View HS R-So. Newbury Park, Calif. / Newbury Park HS R-So. Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS Fr. Brooklandville, Md. / St. Paul's HS R-Fr. Helena, Mont. / Capital HS R-So. Afton, Wyo. / Star Valley HS Sr. Missoula, Mont. / Loyola Sacred Heart HS Fr. Mission Viejo, Calif. / Jserra Catholic HS R-So. Pasco, Wash. / Pasco HS Sr. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS So. Milton-Freewater, Ore. / DeSales HS So. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS Fr. Bremerton, Wash. / O'Dea HS Sr. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS Jr. Bonner, Mont. / Hellgate HS R-So. Coeur D'Alene, Idaho / Coeur D'Alene Jr. Billings, Mont. / West HS R-Fr. Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Sr. Lewiston, Idaho / Lewiston HS Fr. Portland, Ore. / Sunset HS Fr. Bountiful, Utah / Viewmont HS Jr. Renton, Wash. / Eastside Catholic HS Fr. McKenney, Texas / Prosper HS Jr. Idaho Falls, Idaho / Skyline HS R-So. Buffalo, Wyo. / Buffalo HS Fr. Las Vegas, Nev. / Faith Lutheran HS Jr. Sheridan, Wyo. / Sheridan HS R-So. Butte, Mont. / Butte Central HS Jr. Emmett, Idaho / New Plymouth HS Sr. Boise, Idaho / Capital HS R-So. East Helena, Mont. / Helena HS Fr. Boise, Idaho / Bishop Kelly HS Fr. Pocatello, Idaho / Highland HS Jr. Golden, Colo. / Golden HS Jr. Riverton, Wyo. / Riverton HS R-So. Columbia Falls, Mont. / Columbia Falls Jr. Burlington, Ill. / Burlington Central HS Jr. Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS So. Billings, Mont. / Billings Central HS Jr. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS R-Fr. Casper, Wyo. / Natrona County HS Sr. Billings, Mont. / Skyview HS Fr. Butte, Mont. / Butte HS So. Butte, Mont. / Butte Central HS Fr. Billings, Mont. / Billings West HS R-Fr. Billings, Mont. / Billings Central HS Sr. Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Fr. Colville, Wash. / Colville HS Fr. Las Vegas, Nev. / Faith Lutheran HS Fr. Spokane, Wash. / Gonzaga Prep Fr. Bolivar, Mo. / Bolivar HS So. Spokane, Wash. / Mead HS So. Conrad, Mont. / Conrad HS Sr. Butte, Mont. / Butte Central HS So. Chelan, Wash. / Chelan HS So. Helena, Mont. / Capital HS R-Fr. Canby, Ore. / West Linn HS R-Fr. Lewiston, Idaho / Lewiston HS Fr. Denver, Colo. / Ponderosa HS Fr. Rathdrum, Idaho / Lakeland HS Fr. Seattle, Wash. / Seattle Prep Fr. Gooding, Idaho / Gooding HS Jr. Middleton, Idaho / Middleton HS Fr. Portland, Ore. / Edison HS Fr. Springville, UT / Springville HS Sr. Nederland, Colo. / Holy Family HS Fr. Hermiston, Ore. / Hermiston HS So. Lynden, Wash. / Lynden HS

No. Name

Pos.

71 Alex Hoffman OL 72 Preston Johnson OL 74 Anthony Donofrio OL 77 Anthony Reisch OL 79 Jacob Clark OL 80 Sam Stratton TE 81 Matt Wiltsey WR 82 Anthony Olmes WR 83 William Noce-Sheldon WR 84 Tony Collins LB 85 Matt Culpon TE 86 Kyle Pierce WR 87 Jordan Martin WR 88 Chase Fossum WR 89 Connor James WR 90 Tanner Harrell DL 91 Luke Wilson LB 92 Colton Ball LB 92 Alex Thomas LB 93 Alex Hurlbut DE 94 Garrett Kocab DL 96 Jackson Griffin DL 99 Seamus Tully DL

Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-5 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-2

285 300 275 280 260 240 190 175 190 220 225 200 175 215 175 225 190 215 234 260 270 215 280

So. Draper, Utah / Juan Diego HS Jr. Ramona, Calif. / Ramona HS So. Coeur D' Alene, Idaho / Lake City HS R-Fr. Pasco, Wash. / Chiawana HS R-Fr. Bonney Lake, Wash. / Sumner HS Jr. Spokane, Wash. / Shadle Park HS Jr. Sublimity, Ore. / Regis HS R-Fr. Vallejo, Calif. / St.Patrick/St. Vincent HS Jr. Camas, Wash. / Seton Catholic HS Fr. Forth Worth, Texas / Southwest HS Fr. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS So. Nampa, Idaho / Skyview HS R-Fr. Yakima, Wash. / La Salle HS R-Jr. Glasgow, Mont. / Glasgow HS R-Fr. Glendive, Mont. / Dawson County HS Fr. Shepherd, Mont. / Shepherd HS Fr. Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS Fr. Clarkston, Wash. / Asotin HS Sr. Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Jr. Ventura, Calif. / Ventura HS R-Fr. Phelan, Calif. / Serrano HS So. Powell, Wyo. / Powell HS So. Bellows Falls, Vt. / New Hampton School

5

MSU-Northern Numerical Roster

Carroll College Numerical Roster No. Name

September 14, 2018

No. Name

2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 64 65 66 67 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 86 87

Pos. Ht. Wt. Year

Jett Robertson RB Gary Carter DB Fotios Jordanoglou WR Jeff Tinae DB Wylie Novak DB Morgan McCrary DB Sam Mix WR Jay Vance DB Brenden Medina QB Caymus Thomas DB Bryce Bumgardner WR Bryce Missey QB Jake Horner WR Andrew Morgan LB Bennett Feinstein-Smith TE Marvin Williams WR Da’Jon Thomas WR Damien Nelson DB Tommy Wilson QB Samuel Brayboy RB Basie Desterfanis DB Ostin Welch DB Codi Small RB Connor Crawford RB Sam Tapia P Caleb Knoche DB James Beckett DB Andrew Trahan-ProctorRB Devariej Criss DB Derante Lamelle DL Cody Lucke FB Landon Taylor DB Kolby Steen LB Jared Craig DB Koby McCallum DB Peter Hamilton LB Diego Morales K Wyatt McKinlay FB Brandon Powell FB Eric Reyna DB Jaren Maki LB Chase Story LB Chase Gilbert LB Ian Sparrow DL Alec Wagner LB Darius Alexander-JonesOL Aaron Dolfay DL Justin Pfeifer DL Trenton Woodward OL Dax Miller LB Joe Fehr DL Joshua Hutchins OL Dale Cummings OL Colter Cyzmoniak DL Trevor Yuhas OL Spencer Colony OL Cisco Herrera OL Ryan Handley OL Dylan Schmidt OL Clint Willis OL Tevita Leetham OL Tenny Mauigon OL Jared Eisenbarth TE Keagan Stroop WR Charles Storey TE James Gilham WR Malick Touare WR Joe Mikkelsen TE David Evans TE

5-11 6-0 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-5 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-8 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-6 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-9 6-4 6-4 6-2

195 160 180 160 182 190 190 225 208 165 185 205 170 238 236 155 175 155 205 208 190 165 185 205 185 195 187 198 160 255 215 165 180 152 190 220 175 210 250 160 215 195 210 230 215 280 225 285 265 190 220 285 318 260 275 265 320 275 270 300 250 353 205 150 210 170 205 190 210

JR FR SR FR FR JR SR FR FR SO JR SO SO SR JR SO FR FR SR FR JR FR FR SO SR FR JR FR SO JR SO FR FR FR FR SO JR JR JR FR SO FR FR SO SR JR SO FR JR FR SO FR JR FR FR FR JR JR JR SR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR

Hometown Glendale, AZ Menlo Park, CA Ripon, CA Seattle, WA Cut Bank, MT Las Vegas, NV Sammamish, WA Fresno, CA Sebastopol, CA Spokane, WA Saint Helens, OR Spanaway, WA Great Falls, MT Waianae, HI Portland, OR Puyallup, WA San Diego, CA Great Falls, MT Fresno, CA Auburn, WA Fresno, CA Malta, MT Hardin, MT Missoula, MT Carlsbad, CA Forsyth, MT

Kirkland, WA Tacoma, WA San Francisco, CA Browning, MT Fort Benton, MT Chehalis, WA Laurel, MT Salem, OR Cut Bank, MT Pasadena, CA Geraldine, MT Sacramento, CA Kalispell, MT Belt, MT Roy, Utah Green Acres, WA Mesa, AZ Laurel, MT Gilroy, CA Portland, OR Cut Bank, MT Three Forks, MT Florence, MT Eureka, MT Puyallup, WA Cremona, AB Eureka, MT Great Falls, MT Fort Qu’Appellle, SK Madera, CA Missoula, MT Nine Mile Falls, WA Gardiner, MT West Jordan, UT Seattle, WA Woodinville, WA Belt, MT Hardin, MT Browning, MT Hardin, MT Brockton, MT Hardin, MT

No. Name 88 89 91 92 94 96 98 99

Seth Roemmele Jordan Pugh Connor Koker Tyler Pallas B.J. Hatcher Trendae Umi-Tuato’o Ronnie Chavez Jonathyn Jordan

Pos. Ht. Wt. Year

WR TE DL DL DL DL DL DL

6-1 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-3

185 225 230 245 205 290 245 205

SR JR SO SO FR FR SO FR

Hometown Claresholm, AB Tacoma, WA Spokane, WA Chehalis, WA Laurel, MT Auburn, WA Missoula, MT Snellville, GA

2018 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Andrew Rolin, Head Coach Jake Chestnut, Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Amosa, Running Backs/Tight Ends/Strength and Conditioning CJ Robertson, Offensive Line/Run Game Ray Clark, Defensive Backs John Kocurek, Wide Receivers/Recruiting James Amos, Tight Ends Ollie Ogbu, Defensive Line

Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certified Athletic Trainer: Robert Tate; Sports Information: Sierra Richards

6

September 14, 2018

www.havredailynews.com

www.havredailynews.com

September 14, 2018

Mix: Sam Mix didn't give up on football, and the Lights didn't on him

Mix: Sam Mix is a shining example of overcoming adversity in life

■ From Page 2

■ From Page 6

der interim head coach Jake Eldridge, before Aaron Christensen coached the team from 2015-2017. Yet, Mix, who was viewed as an ascending player on the Lights after spring football in 2015, would have his life changed forever shortly after, on May 3, 2015, when he was attacked inside his home and stabbed 45 times.

Dealing with injuries all over his upper body, Mix left school. He went through multiple surgeries and started the rehab process. Doctor’s said he would never play football again, but he didn’t listen and on August 27, 2016, he returned to the field against Rocky Mountain College and caught the first pass thrown his way. He caught 17 passes during that 2016 season and followed it up by catching 17 more in 2017.

“I credit Northern and the town of Havre for my work ethic and being able to deal with adversity,” Mix said. “And kind of knowing and having faith that everything happens for a reason and everything is going to work out. I pride myself on being a blue-collar guy, putting my head down and working. That may be a Montana thing, but it’s definitely a Havre thing.”

Getting back on the field was an accomplishment in its own right for Mix, but what helped make that 2016 season even more special, was the fact that Mix was on the field

when the Lights upset Carroll College, which is still the last time MSU-N won a game against a Frontier Conference opponent, something Mix and all his teammates are hoping to change this Saturday, when they host the Saints inside Blue Pony Stadium.

“When we beat Carroll my sophomore year, that was definitely the best day I have had in my career at Northern,” Mix said. “It was cool for the whole town of Havre.

We proved it against Carroll before and I have a lot more confidence in the team we have now.”

There have been a lot of positive things about Mix’s comeback, but there have been negatives too, such as the fact that Northern has won just three games the past three seasons. Losing that much is never easy. It also makes keeping the love for the game, something that much harder and a for a time, Mix said he lost his, at least until Andrew Rolin arrived.

“I really value the new culture that this program has,” Mix said. “Ever since I was a little kid in pee wee or whatever, I have never liked football as much as I do right now.

There is an energy for sure. Our fall camp was wild from about 8 a.m. until 9 or 10 at night. With the old staff, we

n

would just waiting for that 10 o’clock hour but with coach Rolin, I don’t want to leave the school. We are always doing team-building stuff and fun things and that’s how a culture is built. I see a lot of good things coming.”

The results so far have been mixed for Northern and the Lights. There was the impressive win over Mayville State the opening week, followed by one-sided losses at the hands of Rocky Mountain College and Montana-Western the past two weeks. Yet, that hasn’t dampened the spirit of Mix, who has always been a fighter and believes wholeheartedly that MSU-N is on the right track.

“I want us to be known as tough guys,” Mix said of Northern. “We are the guys that have the grass practice field when everyone has turf. We want it to be known that Northern is a tough, blue-collar team and I think that’s what we’re building. It hasn’t started the way we wanted, but I am still very confident this season and about the future of this program.”

Nothing could jumpstart the Lights resurgence more than a win over arch-rival Carroll and for Mix, nothing would be more fitting.

“If there is one team to beat,” Mix said. “It’s Carroll.”

See Mix Page 6

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern's Sam Mix hauls in a pass during a Frontier Conference game against Rocky Mountain College earlier this month. On Saturday, Mix' journey will bring him to his final homecoming game as a Light when they take on Carroll College.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern's Sam Mix didn't give up on his football career, or pursuing his education, and Mix has been through the kinds of tough times in his life, that, it would have been easy for some people to give up.

7

6

September 14, 2018

www.havredailynews.com

www.havredailynews.com

September 14, 2018

Mix: Sam Mix didn't give up on football, and the Lights didn't on him

Mix: Sam Mix is a shining example of overcoming adversity in life

■ From Page 2

■ From Page 6

der interim head coach Jake Eldridge, before Aaron Christensen coached the team from 2015-2017. Yet, Mix, who was viewed as an ascending player on the Lights after spring football in 2015, would have his life changed forever shortly after, on May 3, 2015, when he was attacked inside his home and stabbed 45 times.

Dealing with injuries all over his upper body, Mix left school. He went through multiple surgeries and started the rehab process. Doctor’s said he would never play football again, but he didn’t listen and on August 27, 2016, he returned to the field against Rocky Mountain College and caught the first pass thrown his way. He caught 17 passes during that 2016 season and followed it up by catching 17 more in 2017.

“I credit Northern and the town of Havre for my work ethic and being able to deal with adversity,” Mix said. “And kind of knowing and having faith that everything happens for a reason and everything is going to work out. I pride myself on being a blue-collar guy, putting my head down and working. That may be a Montana thing, but it’s definitely a Havre thing.”

Getting back on the field was an accomplishment in its own right for Mix, but what helped make that 2016 season even more special, was the fact that Mix was on the field

when the Lights upset Carroll College, which is still the last time MSU-N won a game against a Frontier Conference opponent, something Mix and all his teammates are hoping to change this Saturday, when they host the Saints inside Blue Pony Stadium.

“When we beat Carroll my sophomore year, that was definitely the best day I have had in my career at Northern,” Mix said. “It was cool for the whole town of Havre.

We proved it against Carroll before and I have a lot more confidence in the team we have now.”

There have been a lot of positive things about Mix’s comeback, but there have been negatives too, such as the fact that Northern has won just three games the past three seasons. Losing that much is never easy. It also makes keeping the love for the game, something that much harder and a for a time, Mix said he lost his, at least until Andrew Rolin arrived.

“I really value the new culture that this program has,” Mix said. “Ever since I was a little kid in pee wee or whatever, I have never liked football as much as I do right now.

There is an energy for sure. Our fall camp was wild from about 8 a.m. until 9 or 10 at night. With the old staff, we

n

would just waiting for that 10 o’clock hour but with coach Rolin, I don’t want to leave the school. We are always doing team-building stuff and fun things and that’s how a culture is built. I see a lot of good things coming.”

The results so far have been mixed for Northern and the Lights. There was the impressive win over Mayville State the opening week, followed by one-sided losses at the hands of Rocky Mountain College and Montana-Western the past two weeks. Yet, that hasn’t dampened the spirit of Mix, who has always been a fighter and believes wholeheartedly that MSU-N is on the right track.

“I want us to be known as tough guys,” Mix said of Northern. “We are the guys that have the grass practice field when everyone has turf. We want it to be known that Northern is a tough, blue-collar team and I think that’s what we’re building. It hasn’t started the way we wanted, but I am still very confident this season and about the future of this program.”

Nothing could jumpstart the Lights resurgence more than a win over arch-rival Carroll and for Mix, nothing would be more fitting.

“If there is one team to beat,” Mix said. “It’s Carroll.”

See Mix Page 6

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern's Sam Mix hauls in a pass during a Frontier Conference game against Rocky Mountain College earlier this month. On Saturday, Mix' journey will bring him to his final homecoming game as a Light when they take on Carroll College.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern's Sam Mix didn't give up on his football career, or pursuing his education, and Mix has been through the kinds of tough times in his life, that, it would have been easy for some people to give up.

7

8

September 14, 2018

www.havredailynews.com

www.havredailynews.com

Pos.

1 TJ Abraham WR 2 Micah Ans DB 2 Ryan Beaulieu DB 3 Major Ali RB 4 Isazah King CB 5 Joe Farris WR 6 Shane Sipes WR 7 Brian FauntLeRoy DB 8 Bobby Cade Mornhinweg WR 9 Colin Sassano LB 10 Reese Hiibel QB 11 Tony Madsen DB 12 Hunter Bledsoe QB 13 Kolby Killoy QB 14 Troy Arntson WR 15 Zach Leahy QB 16 Ryan Arntson RB 17 Stephen Powell K 18 McBride Galt DB 19 Paul Wilson WR 20 Griphen Le RB 21 Parker Bernhardt LB 22 Xavier Pace DB 23 Drew Melton DB 23 Ryan Olson DB 24 Cameron Brown RB 25 Matt Kvech DB 26 Kaleb Adams RB 27 Parker Stenersen DB 28 Jack McIntyre RB 29 Brytton Weber WR 30 Colbey Bruney DB 30 Kyle Harrington TE 31 Chase Bowen LB 32 Beaugh Meyer DT 33 Tyler Matteucci OLB 34 Rex Irby DB 35 Sam Liday WR 36 Cole Greff DE 37 Liam Vincent DB 38 Stephen Lindsey RB 39 Craig Kein LB 40 Payton Sexe DL 41 Zachary Hanser DB 42 Dylan Kresge LB 43 Thomas Robitaille LB 44 Reece Quade LB 44 Corbin Walker RB 45 Nate McGree LB 46 Jacob Resch LB 47 Josh Kraft K 48 Eric Dawson TE 48 Tristen Lewis LB 49 John Thomson LB 50 Conor McKenna LB 51 Josh Vaughn LB 52 Alex Reid DL 54 Hunter Mycke LB 55 Connor McGree OL 56 Luke Gleasman OL 57 David Petersen DL 58 Brandon Ahlgren OL 59 Dustin McLean OL 60 Bridger Arvanetes OL 61 Jack Peed DL 62 Jay Todd OL/DL 63 Andrew Carter OL 64 J.D Lyle OL 65 Henry Cadonau OL 66 Bradyn Swanson OL 68 Willy Clements OL 69 Tyler Hunter OL/DL 70 Tanner Steele OL

Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown 5-8 5-11 5-11 5-7 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-6 5-7 5-7 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-0 5-9 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-4

178 165 185 200 190 190 198 195 195 200 175 202 180 190 170 205 180 145 205 175 210 202 175 190 165 195 190 185 160 182 185 180 230 225 275 226 200 200 270 210 195 232 250 235 225 225 232 210 230 215 170 235 200 210 205 230 255 230 275 250 245 275 270 250 245 250 305 285 260 305 295 250 280

R-Fr. Powell, Wyo. / Powell HS Fr. Billings, Mont. / Billings Senior HS Sr. Las Vegas, Nev. / Palo Verde HS Jr. Gig Harbor, Wash. / Peninsula HS Jr. Hidden Valley, Calif. / Lower Lake HS So. Meridian, Idaho / Mountain View HS R-So. Newbury Park, Calif. / Newbury Park HS R-So. Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS Fr. Brooklandville, Md. / St. Paul's HS R-Fr. Helena, Mont. / Capital HS R-So. Afton, Wyo. / Star Valley HS Sr. Missoula, Mont. / Loyola Sacred Heart HS Fr. Mission Viejo, Calif. / Jserra Catholic HS R-So. Pasco, Wash. / Pasco HS Sr. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS So. Milton-Freewater, Ore. / DeSales HS So. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS Fr. Bremerton, Wash. / O'Dea HS Sr. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS Jr. Bonner, Mont. / Hellgate HS R-So. Coeur D'Alene, Idaho / Coeur D'Alene Jr. Billings, Mont. / West HS R-Fr. Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Sr. Lewiston, Idaho / Lewiston HS Fr. Portland, Ore. / Sunset HS Fr. Bountiful, Utah / Viewmont HS Jr. Renton, Wash. / Eastside Catholic HS Fr. McKenney, Texas / Prosper HS Jr. Idaho Falls, Idaho / Skyline HS R-So. Buffalo, Wyo. / Buffalo HS Fr. Las Vegas, Nev. / Faith Lutheran HS Jr. Sheridan, Wyo. / Sheridan HS R-So. Butte, Mont. / Butte Central HS Jr. Emmett, Idaho / New Plymouth HS Sr. Boise, Idaho / Capital HS R-So. East Helena, Mont. / Helena HS Fr. Boise, Idaho / Bishop Kelly HS Fr. Pocatello, Idaho / Highland HS Jr. Golden, Colo. / Golden HS Jr. Riverton, Wyo. / Riverton HS R-So. Columbia Falls, Mont. / Columbia Falls Jr. Burlington, Ill. / Burlington Central HS Jr. Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS So. Billings, Mont. / Billings Central HS Jr. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS R-Fr. Casper, Wyo. / Natrona County HS Sr. Billings, Mont. / Skyview HS Fr. Butte, Mont. / Butte HS So. Butte, Mont. / Butte Central HS Fr. Billings, Mont. / Billings West HS R-Fr. Billings, Mont. / Billings Central HS Sr. Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Fr. Colville, Wash. / Colville HS Fr. Las Vegas, Nev. / Faith Lutheran HS Fr. Spokane, Wash. / Gonzaga Prep Fr. Bolivar, Mo. / Bolivar HS So. Spokane, Wash. / Mead HS So. Conrad, Mont. / Conrad HS Sr. Butte, Mont. / Butte Central HS So. Chelan, Wash. / Chelan HS So. Helena, Mont. / Capital HS R-Fr. Canby, Ore. / West Linn HS R-Fr. Lewiston, Idaho / Lewiston HS Fr. Denver, Colo. / Ponderosa HS Fr. Rathdrum, Idaho / Lakeland HS Fr. Seattle, Wash. / Seattle Prep Fr. Gooding, Idaho / Gooding HS Jr. Middleton, Idaho / Middleton HS Fr. Portland, Ore. / Edison HS Fr. Springville, UT / Springville HS Sr. Nederland, Colo. / Holy Family HS Fr. Hermiston, Ore. / Hermiston HS So. Lynden, Wash. / Lynden HS

No. Name

Pos.

71 Alex Hoffman OL 72 Preston Johnson OL 74 Anthony Donofrio OL 77 Anthony Reisch OL 79 Jacob Clark OL 80 Sam Stratton TE 81 Matt Wiltsey WR 82 Anthony Olmes WR 83 William Noce-Sheldon WR 84 Tony Collins LB 85 Matt Culpon TE 86 Kyle Pierce WR 87 Jordan Martin WR 88 Chase Fossum WR 89 Connor James WR 90 Tanner Harrell DL 91 Luke Wilson LB 92 Colton Ball LB 92 Alex Thomas LB 93 Alex Hurlbut DE 94 Garrett Kocab DL 96 Jackson Griffin DL 99 Seamus Tully DL

Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-5 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-2

285 300 275 280 260 240 190 175 190 220 225 200 175 215 175 225 190 215 234 260 270 215 280

So. Draper, Utah / Juan Diego HS Jr. Ramona, Calif. / Ramona HS So. Coeur D' Alene, Idaho / Lake City HS R-Fr. Pasco, Wash. / Chiawana HS R-Fr. Bonney Lake, Wash. / Sumner HS Jr. Spokane, Wash. / Shadle Park HS Jr. Sublimity, Ore. / Regis HS R-Fr. Vallejo, Calif. / St.Patrick/St. Vincent HS Jr. Camas, Wash. / Seton Catholic HS Fr. Forth Worth, Texas / Southwest HS Fr. Helena, Mont. / Helena HS So. Nampa, Idaho / Skyview HS R-Fr. Yakima, Wash. / La Salle HS R-Jr. Glasgow, Mont. / Glasgow HS R-Fr. Glendive, Mont. / Dawson County HS Fr. Shepherd, Mont. / Shepherd HS Fr. Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS Fr. Clarkston, Wash. / Asotin HS Sr. Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Jr. Ventura, Calif. / Ventura HS R-Fr. Phelan, Calif. / Serrano HS So. Powell, Wyo. / Powell HS So. Bellows Falls, Vt. / New Hampton School

5

MSU-Northern Numerical Roster

Carroll College Numerical Roster No. Name

September 14, 2018

No. Name

2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 64 65 66 67 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 86 87

Pos. Ht. Wt. Year

Jett Robertson RB Gary Carter DB Fotios Jordanoglou WR Jeff Tinae DB Wylie Novak DB Morgan McCrary DB Sam Mix WR Jay Vance DB Brenden Medina QB Caymus Thomas DB Bryce Bumgardner WR Bryce Missey QB Jake Horner WR Andrew Morgan LB Bennett Feinstein-Smith TE Marvin Williams WR Da’Jon Thomas WR Damien Nelson DB Tommy Wilson QB Samuel Brayboy RB Basie Desterfanis DB Ostin Welch DB Codi Small RB Connor Crawford RB Sam Tapia P Caleb Knoche DB James Beckett DB Andrew Trahan-ProctorRB Devariej Criss DB Derante Lamelle DL Cody Lucke FB Landon Taylor DB Kolby Steen LB Jared Craig DB Koby McCallum DB Peter Hamilton LB Diego Morales K Wyatt McKinlay FB Brandon Powell FB Eric Reyna DB Jaren Maki LB Chase Story LB Chase Gilbert LB Ian Sparrow DL Alec Wagner LB Darius Alexander-JonesOL Aaron Dolfay DL Justin Pfeifer DL Trenton Woodward OL Dax Miller LB Joe Fehr DL Joshua Hutchins OL Dale Cummings OL Colter Cyzmoniak DL Trevor Yuhas OL Spencer Colony OL Cisco Herrera OL Ryan Handley OL Dylan Schmidt OL Clint Willis OL Tevita Leetham OL Tenny Mauigon OL Jared Eisenbarth TE Keagan Stroop WR Charles Storey TE James Gilham WR Malick Touare WR Joe Mikkelsen TE David Evans TE

5-11 6-0 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-5 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-8 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-6 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-9 6-4 6-4 6-2

195 160 180 160 182 190 190 225 208 165 185 205 170 238 236 155 175 155 205 208 190 165 185 205 185 195 187 198 160 255 215 165 180 152 190 220 175 210 250 160 215 195 210 230 215 280 225 285 265 190 220 285 318 260 275 265 320 275 270 300 250 353 205 150 210 170 205 190 210

JR FR SR FR FR JR SR FR FR SO JR SO SO SR JR SO FR FR SR FR JR FR FR SO SR FR JR FR SO JR SO FR FR FR FR SO JR JR JR FR SO FR FR SO SR JR SO FR JR FR SO FR JR FR FR FR JR JR JR SR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR

Hometown Glendale, AZ Menlo Park, CA Ripon, CA Seattle, WA Cut Bank, MT Las Vegas, NV Sammamish, WA Fresno, CA Sebastopol, CA Spokane, WA Saint Helens, OR Spanaway, WA Great Falls, MT Waianae, HI Portland, OR Puyallup, WA San Diego, CA Great Falls, MT Fresno, CA Auburn, WA Fresno, CA Malta, MT Hardin, MT Missoula, MT Carlsbad, CA Forsyth, MT

Kirkland, WA Tacoma, WA San Francisco, CA Browning, MT Fort Benton, MT Chehalis, WA Laurel, MT Salem, OR Cut Bank, MT Pasadena, CA Geraldine, MT Sacramento, CA Kalispell, MT Belt, MT Roy, Utah Green Acres, WA Mesa, AZ Laurel, MT Gilroy, CA Portland, OR Cut Bank, MT Three Forks, MT Florence, MT Eureka, MT Puyallup, WA Cremona, AB Eureka, MT Great Falls, MT Fort Qu’Appellle, SK Madera, CA Missoula, MT Nine Mile Falls, WA Gardiner, MT West Jordan, UT Seattle, WA Woodinville, WA Belt, MT Hardin, MT Browning, MT Hardin, MT Brockton, MT Hardin, MT

No. Name 88 89 91 92 94 96 98 99

Seth Roemmele Jordan Pugh Connor Koker Tyler Pallas B.J. Hatcher Trendae Umi-Tuato’o Ronnie Chavez Jonathyn Jordan

Pos. Ht. Wt. Year

WR TE DL DL DL DL DL DL

6-1 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-3

185 225 230 245 205 290 245 205

SR JR SO SO FR FR SO FR

Hometown Claresholm, AB Tacoma, WA Spokane, WA Chehalis, WA Laurel, MT Auburn, WA Missoula, MT Snellville, GA

2018 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Andrew Rolin, Head Coach Jake Chestnut, Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Amosa, Running Backs/Tight Ends/Strength and Conditioning CJ Robertson, Offensive Line/Run Game Ray Clark, Defensive Backs John Kocurek, Wide Receivers/Recruiting James Amos, Tight Ends Ollie Ogbu, Defensive Line

Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certified Athletic Trainer: Robert Tate; Sports Information: Sierra Richards

4

September 14, 2018

www.havredailynews.com

MSU-Northern Offensive Starters

Carroll College Defensive Starters

MSU-N 2018 Offensive Numbers

CC 2018 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 20 ppg, 6th in Frontier Total offense: 386 ypg, 4th in Frontier

Seth Roemelle #88, 6-0, 190 Receiver

McBride Galt #18, 6-2, 205 Cornerback

Rushing: 131 ypg, 5th in Frontier

www.havredailynews.com

September 14, 2018

MSU-Northern Defensive Starters

CC 2018 Offensive Numbers

MSU-N 2018 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 16 ppg, 3rd in Frontier

Scoring: 42 ppg, last in Frontier

Total defense: 316 ypg, 4th in Frontier

Total defense: 539 ypg, last in Frontier

Rush defense: 105 ypg, 3rd in Frontier

Rush defense: 200 ypg, last in Frontier

Scoring: 10 ppg, last in Frontier

Rolin was hired in December of 2017. He is the fourth fulltime head coach of the Lights since the school reintroduced football. Before coming to Northern he had coaching stops at San Diego, Washington, San Jose State and Libby.

Rolin played QB at San Diego. He is a native of Rancho Cordova, California.

Dylan Schmidt #74, 6-3, 270 Offensive line

Tommy Wilson #22, 6-1, 205 Quarterback

Darius Alexander-Jones #53, 6-3, 280 Offensive line

Beaugh Meyer #32, 6-2, 260 Defensive line

Cole Greff #36, 6-4, 270

Defensive line

Trenton Woodward #56, 6-4, 265 Offensive line

Ryan Handley #73, 6-4, 275 Offensive line

David Petersen #57, 6-1, 250 Defensive line

Craig Klein #39, 6-2, 235 Defensive line

Diego Morales #43, 5-8, 175 Kicker

Marvin Williams #19, 5-10, 155 Receiver

Rushing: 113 ypg, 6th in Frontier

Nate McGree #45, 6-2, 230 Linebacker Ostin Welch #26, 6-2, 170 Safety

ChaseGilbert #49, 6-0, 215 Linebacker Tyler Pallas #92, 6-0, 245 Defensive tackle

Reece Quade #44, 6-3, 230 Linebacker

Morgan McCrary #8, 5-10, 190 Safety

Mike Van Diest Carroll Head Coach

Tanner Steele #70, 6-3, 290 Offensive line

Jaren Maki

#47, 6-2, 215 Linebacker

Justin Pfeifer #55, 6-0, 285 Defensive line

Connor McGree #55, 6-4, 275 Center

Koby Killoy #13, 6-1, 190 Quarterback

J.D. Lyle #64, 6-3, 285 Offensive line

Major Ali #3, 5-8, 200 Running back

Kyle Harrington

Chase Bowen #31, 6-1, 222 Linebacker

#30, 6-0, 230 H-Back

Jake Norby #31, 6-2, 200 Linebacker

Jay Vance #10, 6-2, 225 Linebacker

Alex Hoffman #71, 6-0, 290 Offensive line

Eric Dawson #48, 6-1. 235 Tight end

Jared Eisenbarth #80, 6-1, 205 Tight end Sam Tapia #89, 6-0, 180 Punter

B.J. Hatcher #94, 6-3, 205 Defensive end

Brian FauntLeroy #7, 6-1 202 Safety Wyatt McKinlay #44, 6-0, 210 Fullback

Total offense: 243 ypg, last in Frontier

Willy Clements #68, 6-3, 295 Offensive line

Parker Bernhardt #21, 6-1, 205 Safety

Jett Robertson #2, 5-11, 195 Running Back

Shane Sipes #6, 6-2, 190 Receiver

Caymus Thomas #13, 5-11, 165 Cornerback

Clint Willis #75, 6-7, 300 Offensive line

Andrew Rolin MSU-N Head Coach

Carroll College Offensive Starters

Devariej Criss #34, 5-9, 175 Corner Ryan Beaulieau #2, 5-11, 185 Cornerback

Troy Arnston #14,5-8, 175 Receiver

Josh Kraft

#47, 5-11, 170 Kicker

After 19 years as head coach at Carroll College, Mike Van Diest has led the Fighting Saints to six National Championships, 14 Frontier Conference Championships (including twelve straight titles from 20002011) for one of the most dominating runs in college football history. Van Diest is a 1970 graduate of Helena High School. His career has included stops at his alma mater, the University of Wyoming (76-79, 91-98), the University of Montana (80-85), the University of Massachusetts Amhurst (86), and the Big Ten representative, Northwestern University.

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MSU-Northern Rewind

The 1998 Lights: Where it all Began George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Homecoming at Montana State UniversityNorthern is always special. It’s always a time to celebrate. But, this weekend, and especially when the Montana State University-Northern Lights take on Carroll College, special will have a whole new meaning.

As far as football programs go, 20 years isn’t very long to be around. After all, teams like Michigan and Ohio State have been playing for well over 100 years now. Even Montana State and Montana will play each other for the 119th time later this fall.

But, 20 years is exactly how old the Lights are, at least the modern-day version of the Lights. And that’s why this homecoming weekend is a big one at Northern.

After being shuttered for more than two decades, football at Northern was reborn in 1998. It was brought back to life under the legendary, late, Walt Currie, and this weekend, many of those who played on that first Northern team will be back in Havre to celebrate and be honored for their contribution to helping return college football to Havre.

“What I remember the most is just, you had this group of guys, from all over the state, and out of state even, and they were a bunch of guys who missed playing football,” Havre’s Andy Smith, who went to become an NAIA All-American at Northern, said. “A lot of us, we’d been out of high school for a year, or two or even more, and this was an opportunity to compete and play football again, and all of those guys, they really embraced it. Guys like Dan Yeager and Bill Maguire, or a guy like Jason Christenson who had been out of high school for a few years, this was an opportunity, a second chance to play this game they loved playing, and everybody really came together in that way.”

They came together under Currie, who had led Havre High football and wrestling to great success from 1978 to 1987. Other coaches who helped form the beginnings of football at Northern included Havre’s Mickey Williams, Scotty Leeds and Jeff Currie, as well as Jeff Alexander and Mike Stussie, the brother of former Minnesota Viking’s star Todd Stussie.

“Walt Currie was the perfect coach, the perfect man to start the program,” Smith said. “He was a great leader, and someone we all admired. He was a hard-worker, he was tough, he was old-school, and he brought those qualities to our team. We all really admired him and respected him so much.”

No question, Currie was indeed the man for the job of starting a football program in Havre from scratch. And, in 1998, there was no denying, Northern football was born out of humble beginnings.

The Lights played a non-Frontier Conference schedule that first year, with games against club teams from Bozeman and Great Falls, as well as trips to Minot and Williston, North Dakota among others. It wasn’t glamorous, and it was hard work, every day, but,

those who played that first year will always be remembered as the first Northern football team of the modern era.

“We didn’t even have a locker room, really,” Smith, who along with former Blue Ponies Anthony Alavarado, Kendall Griggs, Steve Spangler, Richard Jarvis, Jeff Burt, J.T. Schubert, Seth Pomeroy, Christenson and others, made up a large Havre contingent on the roster, said. “We just each had a folding chair that we’d come in an set our stuff on and get dressed every day. But for a lot of us, none of that stuff mattered. It was about getting back out there, getting a chance to play college football. We really had a great mix of guys too, from all over. You had some guys that were right out of high school, but then you had guys like Darren Fike and Anthony Alvarado and Jason (Christenson), guys who had been out of high school for quite a while, getting another chance to play. So that was the special part, just this group of guys coming together, taking another opportunity to play football. It was a fun atmosphere, and it was a great group of guys for sure.”

And, not only was it fun, the 1998 team, coaches and players, was responsible for something we now take for granted most days, and that’s the fact that, every fall, Havre again has college football. That team in 1998, didn’t find a lot of success, but, through their hard work and dedication to something bigger than all of them, they laid the bricks, the foundation for all future success Northern would go on to have, and with Currie leading the way.

“I played three years, and my third year, things really started to come together,” Smith said. “That year in 2000, we were right there with every team in the conference, We went 4-6, but we lost a bunch of really close games.

We lost twice to Tech by three points, we lost on a last-second field goal to Western, we went down and beat Rocky in Billings. We were really close that year, so you could see what a great job Walt did of getting the program going in the right direction in a hurry. And those guys that played on that first team, they’re the ones who started it all. So that will always be special for all of us.”

Indeed, the 1998 Lights were the foundation, were the beginning, from players like Kino Detrick and Smith and so many others who, not only helped start the program, but would go on to have great careers for the Lights, to every player and every coach who took the field that first year, everything that Northern football is now, and has been since that year, is because of them. Without that first team, the team that came together from all walks of life, and especially without Currie at the helm, and generous donations of so many in the community in those days, Northern football may not be here for us to enjoy, this Saturday, or any Saturday for that matter.

“When I look back on it all now, it’s pretty neat to think about that first year,” Smith said. “From Walt being the great coach and leader that he was, to all the people who helped stepped up and get the program off

Frontier Conference Standings

Montana Tech UM-Western Southern Oregon Rocky Mountain Carroll College Eastern Oregon MSU-Northern College of Idaho

Conf. Overall WL WL

2-0 2-0 2-0 1-1 1-1 1-2 0-2 0-3

2-0 2-0 2-0 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2 0-3

Saturday, Sept 8 UM-Western 55, MSU-Northern 3 Montana Tech 24, Eastern Oregon 17 Rocky Mountain 21, Dickinson State 10 Southern Oregon 35, College of Idaho 28 Carroll College 21, Linfield 15 Saturday, Sept. 15 MSU-Northern vs Carroll College Rocky Mountain at UM-Western College of Idaho at Portland State Montana Tech at Southern Oregon

September 14, 2018

NAIA Coaches Poll

Rec. Pts. Prv. 14. Rocky Mountain 2-1 165 14 1. Saint Francis (Ind) 2-0 366 1 15. Benedictine (Kan.) 2-1 151 12 2. Morningside (Iowa) 2-0 351 3 16. Kansas Wesleyan 2-0 147 21 3. Southern Oregon 2-0 339 4 17. Cumberlands (Ky.) 3-0 127 NR 4. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 2-0 324 5 18. Southeastern (Fla.) 1-1 126 11 5. Northwestern (Iowa) 2-0 308 7 19. Bethel (Tenn.)

2-0 111 NR 6. Marian (Ind.) 2-0 289 15 20. Dickinson State 1-1 106 13 7. Reinhardt (Ga.) 1-1 274 2 21. Saint Xavier 1-2 101 6 8. Concordia (Mich.) 2-0 246 16 22. Arizona Christian 2-0 96 22 9. Georgetown (Ky.) 1-1 227 7 23. Montana Tech 2-0 88 NR 10. Grand View (Iowa) 1-1 218 10 24. Midland (Neb.) 2-0 44 NR 11. Evangel (Mo.) 3-0 271 NR 25. Sterling (Kan.) 1-1 30 17 12. Baker (Kan.) 1-1 196 9 13, Langston (Okla.) 1-0 189 14 Others receiving votes: : Montana Western 14, Faulkner (Ala.) 10, Webber International (Fla.) 7, St. Ambrose (Iowa) 7, Tabor (Kan.) 7, SAGU (Texas) 6, Keiser (Fla.) 5, Avila (Mo.) 5, Hastings (Neb.) 4, Siena Heights (Mich.) 3.

Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Through Week 3

Passing: Kai Quinn, EOU, 278 ypg Receiving: Brendan Kelly, EOU, 118 ypg Receptions: Brendan Kelly, EOU, 7 cpg Rushing: Jed Fike, MT, 147ypg Tackles: Chase Bowe, CC, 31 Sacks: Ryder Rice, RMC, 5.5 sacks INT's: Zack Jacobs, EOU, 4 ints

2018 Lights Coaching Staff

the ground, to all the people in the community who really supported us, it’s really neat.

But most of all, I just think about how special that first team was. It was a great group of guys, and the friendships I made through that first year, so many of those guys have become friends for life. Again, it was just a really special group of guys who were given a second chance, or an opportunity to play college football, and I think we all just really relished that chance, and worked hard to make the most out of it. So it’s really neat to look back now and know you were a part of that.”

Havre Daily News/File Photo The modern era of football at Montana State University-Northern was born in 1998. And the late Walt Currie was the perfect man, and the perfect coach to begin football again at Northern. During MSU-N's homecoming weekend, the 1998 Lights are having a reunion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of football restarting at Northern. The 2018 Lights take on Carroll College Saturday at 1 p.m. at Blue Pony Stadium.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2018 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff includes, Andrew Rolin, Head Coach; Jake Chestnut, Defensive Coordinator; Jonathan Amosa, Running Backs/Tight Ends/Strength and Conditioning; CJ Robertson, Offensive Line/Run Game; Ray Clark, Defensive Backs; John Kocurek, Wide Receivers/ Recruiting; James Amos, Tight Ends; Ollie Ogbu, Defensive Line.

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Staying in the Mix

Northern senior Sam Mix had his world turned upside down in a horrific way. But, through courage and toughness, he fought back to play the game football again Chris Peterson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com

To say that Sam Mix went through trials and tribulations during his college football career would be an understatement.

But despite everything that’s happened, the stabbing attack that could have taken his life and left him gravely injured; the four head coaches he has played under at Montana

State University-Northern, plus all the other hardships every student-athlete goes through, Mix has never given up, and in the end, that perseverance has paid off, not just on the gridiron but in the classroom as well.

Now, precisely due to that toughness and mental fortitude, Mix is not only playing his fourth and final season for the Lights, he’s going to walk away with a college degree this spring.

“I have seen it all, the ups and the downs,” Mix said. “And all of that (football and graduating) means a lot to me. The biggest thing I think is that Northern gave me a chance to come back here when I left the school. I wasn’t fit to play football or anything like that but they still took a chance on me and gave me the same money I was getting prior to what happened to me. So I am extremely grateful to Northern for that.”

Mix was recruited to Northern by former head coach Mark Samson and after he left the program, Mix played the 2014 season un-

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MSU-Northern Lights vs Carroll College Fighting Saints Montana State University-Northern

2017 record: 1-10, 0-10 Head coach: Andrew Rolin

Location: Havre, Mont.

Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium

Nickname: Lights

Streak: The Lights haven't beaten Carroll twice in one decade in the history of the program. The beat the Saints in Havre in 2016.

Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2018 record: 0-2, 1-2

Saturday, September 15, 2018 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 1 p.m.

Carroll College

2017 record: 4-6, 4-6 Head coach: Mikle Van Diest

Location: Helena

Stadium: Nelson Stadium

Nickname: Fighting Saints

Streak: Carroll brings a onegame win streak to Havre, but, the Saints are actually 2-1 with their forefeit win over Rocky on Aug. 23.

Colors: Purple and Gold 2018 record: 1-1, 2-1

September 14, 2018

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Battlin' Bears bounce right back George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

It’s always a big deal when Carroll College comes to play a Frontier Conference football game, at any stadium around the conference.

But, it’s an even bigger deal when it’s that teams homecoming, and, on an anniversary too.

That’s the case Saturday when the Fighting Saints come to Blue Pony Stadium for a homecoming showdown with the Montana State University-Northern Lights. And while MSU-N has hosted Carroll several times on homecoming, and during other special occasions, and, while its always big when Carroll, the flagship of the Frontier, comes to Havre, Saturday’s latest meeting the two squads has a special date attached to it.

Yes, this year is a birthday of sorts for the Northern football program, which was resurrected under the late Walt Currie in 1998. The program had been dormant for almost three decades, but, in 98, the Lights were turned back on so to speak.

See Mix Page 6

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior Sam Mix had his world turned upside down in 2015, when he and two friends had to fend off a vicious attack inside his own home during his freshman year as a Northern football player. Mix suffered sever injuries in the attack, and, there was a time when it looked like his football career may be over. But, Mix wanted to return to the Lights and the Lights felt the same way, and since that time, Mix has not only been an outstanding wide receiver at Northern, he's been an inspirational leader on, and off the football field. Now, Mix is in his final season playing for the Lights, and he'll also graduate from Northern this spring. Mix and the Lights play their homecoming game Saturday when they host Carroll College at Blue Pony Stadium.

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So, during homecoming weekend, which is always exciting at MSU-N, members of the 1998 team, which played that first year, essentially as a club sport, are having a reunion, and they’d love to see the community come out and support them in the same way the community will support the current Lights against Carroll Saturday.

And speaking of the Saints, it’s been an interesting week for Carroll. Early in the week, the Saints learned that their 19-0, season-opening loss at Rocky Mountain College had been reversed.

Rocky inadvertently played an ineligible player during the Aug. 23 game, and eventually reported the infraction to the NAIA and Frontier, and with it, came a forfeit.

One week after the loss to Rocky, Carroll

fell again, at UM-Western, and things were starting to look pretty bleak in Helena.

However, that all changed last Saturday when the Saints upended NCAA Division II Linfield College at Nelson Stadium. Carroll has scheduled ambitious games like the Linfield one in the past, and, the Saints have been quite successful in doing so. But, with a possible 0-3 start looming, and the Wildcats coming off a playoff appearance last year, the game was certainly a dangerous one for the Saints.

However, Carroll’s defense showed what purple power is all about as the Saints held the Wildcats to just 72 yards rushing in a 21-14 win.

And that’s what Northern and star running back Jett Robertson will be up against Saturday, a nasty and stingy Carroll defense that

Today in the Frontier Conference

allows just 16 points and 105 yards rushing per outing. And while Carroll’s offense continues to struggle this season, the Saints have hung tough with a defense led by star end Beaugh Meyer, a great group of linebackers, and, standouts in the defensive backfield.

Meanwhile, Robertson was limited to just 51 yards in Northern’s 55-3 loss at UM-Western, but, the junior is still among the top rushers in the Frontier. He comes into Saturday’s homecoming game averaging 105 yards a game, which is third in the Frontier and 11th in the NAIA. Still, with such a stout Carroll defense coming into to try and spoil Northern’s homecoming parade, the Lights will need to do much better on offense than the 6.5 points per game they’ve averaged since their seasonopening win against Mayville State.

Early Trending There’s two surprises right now in the Frontier Conference, and they’re going in op-

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See Notebook Page 12

2018 Frontier Conference Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Southern Oregon; 2. Rocky Mountain; T3.

Montana Tech; T3. College of Idaho; 5. Carroll College; 6. Eastern Oregon; 7. UM-Western; 8.

MSU-Northern Havre Daily News Frontier Conference Week 4 Power Rankings

Carroll College Fighting Saints (1-1, 2-1)

1. Southern Oregon 2. Rocky Mountain College 3. Montana Tech 4. UM-Western 5. Carroll College 6. Eastern Oregon 7. College of Idaho 8. MSU-Northern

At Montana State University-Northern Lights (0-2, 1-2) #23 Montana Tech (2-0, 2-0) at #3 Southern Oregon (2-0, 2-0) in Ashland, Oregon

College of Idaho (0-3, 0-3) at Portland State (0-2, 0-2) in Portland, Oregon

#14 Rocky Mountain (1-1, 2-1) at RV UM-Western (2-0, 2-0) in Dillon, Montana

Full Coverage on Twitter @HavreDaily

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Notebook: Dawgs, Yotes going in different directions is to somehow win the Frontier title outright.

■ From Page 11 posite directions.

UM-Western, picked seventh in the Frontier Coaches Poll, is off to a fast start, beating Carroll and Northern to open the season. The preseason pick isn’t the only reason Western has been a surprise thus far, it’s been the play of a pair of new starters on offense.

Last year, Western quarterback Bennett Gibson threw for over 3,000 yards and running back Hunter Thomsen rushed for over 900.

Both graduated in the spring, and, it figured to have a lasting effect on the Bulldog offense.

Wrong.

So far this fall, Western is leading the Frontier in scoring at 36 ppg, and is second in total offense. Sophomore quarterback Jon Jund has been outstanding thus far, and the Bulldogs are rushing by committee, and it’s working, after they plowed over Northern to the tune of 340 yards last Saturday night.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum is the College of Idaho. The Yotes were a sexy pick to contend for the Frontier title this season, but, a pair of close, early-season losses by the less than a touchdown, and a difficult loss to Montana Tech, has left C of I at 0-3 in the Frontier to start the year. And it doesn’t get any easier, as the Yotes step out of conference play, and go way, way up to play Big Sky Conference member Portland State this Saturday. Unless C of I pulls off a miracle in Portland, the Yotes are going to be 0-4 before September is even over, and, with that, the only chance they have to make the playoffs

Bounce Back Give Rocky Mountain head coach Jason Petrino and his Battlin’ Bears a ton of credit.

One week ago, RMC was riding high, 2-0 and headed for greatness. Then comes the news the Bears were forced to forfeit their seasonopening win over Carroll College, and that news came just days before the Bears were set to host 13th-ranked Dickinson State in a huge non-conference clash in Billings.

A situation like that could have derailed Rocky, but instead, the Bears bucked down, and rode a hard-nosed defense to a 21-10 win over the Blue Hawks at Herb Klindt Field.

The forfeit of the Carroll game could have certainly hurt Rocky against the resurgent Blue Hawks, but, RMC focused and got the job done. And while the damage could be felt later in the season, if Rocky comes down to being tied for the league title, for this week anyway, all is back to normal in Billings.

Frontier Honors Southern Oregon's Rey Vega was named Frontier Offensive Player of the Week. Vega, a 5-10, 205-pound running back from Modesto, California, rushed for 158 yards and two touchddowns in SOU's win over C of I last Saturday.

Eastern Oregon's Justin Hughes was named Frontier Defensive Player of the Week. He is a 5-10, 185-pound defensive back from Longdale, Nevada. In EOU's loss to Montana Tech, Hughes had 13 tackles and an interception.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern's Chase Gilbert has an interception in each of the Lights' last two games.

Gilbert and the Lights return home to host the Carroll College Fighting Saints for homecoming Saturday at 1 p.m.

HOME COMING

9.14

FRI

7:00 pm - Volleyball against Lewis - Clark State College @ the Armory Gymnasium 8:30 pm - Lights Social @ the Oxford Bar

MORE INFO AT NORTHERNAF.ORG

9.15

SAT

10:00 am - Maroon & Gold Spirit Brunch @ the Diesel Technology Center 11:00 am - Lights Tailgate @ Havre Stadium 01:00 pm - Kickoff against Carroll College Fighting Saints 06:00 pm - Alumni Block Party between Old Station Brewing & the Eagle’s Club