Game Day 9-22-2017

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Notebook: Lights have the the top two tacklers in the Frontier Conference through three games ■ From Page 11 ern boasts a powerful running attack, led by senior running back Hunter Thomsen, who has 264 yards so far, and is averaging 70 yards per outing.

Yotes do it Again Every year, it seems as if the College of Idaho has a signature win, one that causes the rest of the league to take notice.

Last Saturday was one of those, as the Yotes beat 11th-ranked Eastern Oregon at Simplot Stadium in Nampa, Idaho. In their 28-20 home win, C of I was surprisingly balanced, totaling 220 yards on the ground and 220 through the air. But where the Yotes really stood out was on defense. They held the

potent Mounties to just 348 yards of offense, and just 200 passing. EOU averaged just 4.5 yards per play, and the 14-0 lead the Yotes grabbed in the first quarter, was enough to keep the Mounties at bay the rest of the way.

The Yotes will try and make it two in a row against the surprise team of the Frontier this week, when they travel to take on Rocky Mountain College in Billings. The Battlin’ Bears have come on strong since a season-opening loss to Dickinson State, including nearly pulling off a huge upset against Montana Tech last weekend.

Frontier Honors

SOU’s Tanner Trosin was named the Frontier Offensive Player of the Week. The 6-0, 180-pound QB from Folsom, California threw for 404 yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed for a score in SOU’s 5828 win over Western last Saturday. Major Ali of Carroll College, Quinn McQueary of Montana Tech and Darius-James Peterson of College of Idaho, were also nominated.

C of I’s Forrest Rivers was named Frontier Defensive Player of the Week. Rivers is a 5-11, 220-pound sophomore linebacker from Corona, Calif. In College of Idaho’s 2820 conference home win over No. 11 Eastern Oregon, Rivers recorded 10 solo tackles, one assisted tackle, three tackles for loss (-23), two quarterback sacks and a fumble recov-

ery. Isiah Carter of Southern Oregon, Zach Janis of Montana Western, Haziel Ledezma of Eastern Oregon, Drew Melton of Carroll College and Connor Wines of Montana Tech were also nominated.

Carroll’s Shane Sipes is the Frontier Special Teams Player of the Week. Sipes is a 6-2, 190-pound freshman wide receiver from Newbury Park, Calif. In Carroll’s 34-3 home conference win over MSU-Northern, Sipes had two kick returns totaling 125 yards including an 85-yard return for a touchdown. Also nominated were Nathan Harden of Eastern Oregon, Derrick Holt of Montana Tech and Kyle Mitchell of College of Idaho.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern freshman Marvin Williams is one of the top receivers in the Frontier Conference through three games. Northern is still in search of its first win and will try for that win when the Lights host UM-Western Saturday at 1 p.m. inside Blue Pony Stadium.

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The Art of Unselfishness Through all kinds of challenges, Jess Krahn has always been about being part of the team George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Jess Krahn never liked watching football – from the sidlines that is. No, Krahn has always preferred being a part of the game rather than a spectator of it.

And that’s why, through even difficult times, Krahn has always wanted to do whatever he could do to play, to contribute to the Montana State University-Northern football team.

And contributing has come in many different forms for the senior from Hockinson, Washington.

Once upon a time, Krahn was Northern’s starting quarterback. But now, in his final season, he’s a reserve tight end for the Lights. Krahn caught his first pass of the season in last week’s road game at Carroll College.

And the fact that Krahn is playing tight end, speak volumes about his character, his leadership and his love of Northern football.

“I’m really enjoying it,” Krahn said of the position change. “It’s a lot different than playing quarterback. It’s a different view of the game up there on the line as opposed to looking over it. It’s been a new challenge for me, and I’m having a lot of fun with it.”

Krahn has certainly had his challenges at Northern, and what is most impressive about him is, he’s met every one of them with a great attitude, one that has always set a positive example for his teammates.

The first challenge came when Krahn was thrust into the starting QB role his freshman season. Then senior Travis Dean

There are a lot of hard-nosed, toughminded, defensive coaches in the Frontier Conference. But, even they have surrendered to the modern game of college football.

So to say the least, through four weeks of play, the Frontier is an offensive league – and it’s obvious.

The league has four of the NAIA’s Top 20 passing quarterbacks right now, with Southern Oregon’s Tanner Trosin topping that list. Trosin is a great story. Two years ago, he replaced SOU’s legendary quarterback Austin Dodge and led the Raiders to the brink of a second straight national championship. Last year, he suffered a season-ending injury, but is back in 2017 and is averaging 360 yards per game for the undefeated Raiders. That’s seventh in the NAIA, and he’s also third in the nation in total offense.

See Krahn Page 6

MSU-Northern Lights vs UM-Western Bulldogs Montana State University-Northern Location: Havre, Mont.

Nickname: Lights Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2017 record: 0-3 0-3

2016 record: 1-9, 1-9 Head coach: Aaron Christensen Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium Streak: Lights have lost 10 straight games dating back to last September's win over Carroll College.

Saturday, September 23, 2017 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 1 p.m.

Montana Western Location: Dillon, Mont.

Nickname: Bulldogs Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior tight end Jess Krahn has seen his share of highs and lows as a Light. But one thing has always remained, Krahn is an unselfish player and a true team leader for the Lights. For more photos, go to www.havredailynews.com.

Colors: Red and Black 2017 record: 1-2, 1-3

2016 record: 6-4, 7-4 Head coach: Ryan Nourse Stadium: Vigalante Stadium Streak: The Bulldogs have finished in the top four in the Frontier Conference in each of the last three seasons.

September 22, 2017

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Frontier getting downright offensive George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

was having an outstanding season for the Lights, but in the seventh game of that year, Dean suffered a season-ending injury, and Krahn, a true freshman, was the next man up.

He would make his first career start against vaunted Carroll College, and eventually, he would lead the Lights to a seasonending win at Rocky Mountain College.

“My freshman year, I was kind of pulling my hair out, because I just wasn’t used to not playing,” Krahn said. “I knew coming in that Travis was the guy, and he was great.

I learned a ton from him. But, I was a fouryear starter in high school, so it was pretty tough watching from the sidelines.

“But I always tried to just stay ready in case they needed me, and in that game against Eastern Oregon, Travis got hurt, and I had to go in,” he continued. “That was a big challenge for me, having to start those last few games as a freshman.”

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But Trosin’s big numbers have him far from alone. Montana Tech senior Quinn McQueary is off to an incredible start.

He’s 10th in the country in passing at 344 yards per game and is fourth in the nation in total offense. In his first two games of the year, McQueary threw for 992 yards and nine touchdowns.

The next two quarterbacks on the list will meet this Saturday. UM-Western senior Bennett Gibson, a fifth-year senior, who has taken over Western’s starting job for the injured J.D. Ferris, is 21st in the nation in passing, while Northern junior Tommy Wilson is in the Top 20 in the NAIA in passing and total offense. Wilson averages 270 yards and has six touchdowns so far in his

first year at Northern, and that’s despite a rough outing last Saturday at Carroll College.

Wilson and Gibson, two veteran quarterbacks will go head-to-head Saturday at Blue Pony Stadium when the Lights host the Bulldogs. Both teams have struggled out of the gate, as the Lights are 0-3 and the Bulldogs 1-3 on the season. But, if what’s transpired so far in the Frontier is any indication, expect nothing less than passing fireworks when the Lights and Western hook up.

Making the Tackle While Wilson has been an emerging star on offense for the Lights, Northern also has a tackling machine on defense too. But he’s

Today in the Frontier Conference University of Montana-Western Bulldogs (1-2, 1-3)

At Montana State University-Northern Lights (0-3, 0-3) College of Idaho (1-2, 1-3) at Rocky Mountain College (2-1, 2-2) in Billings, Mont.

Carroll College (1-2, 1-2) at No. 13 Southern Oregon (3-0, 3-0) in Ashland, Ore.

No. 5 Montana Tech (3-0, 3-0) at No. 23 Eastern Oregon (1-1, 1-2) in LaGrande, Ore.

Full Coverage on Twitter @HavreDaily

been a known commodity.

Senior Garet Fowler has been all over the field through Northern’s first three games, totaling 35 tackles, averaging 11.7 per contest. Through two games, Fowler, a former Belgrade high star was leading the Frontier Conference, and he currently sits fifth in the nation in total tackles, with 20 solo stops to his credit. Fowler also has an interception, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble on his resume this season.

But, one of his buddies has now joined him as the Frontier leader in tackles. After racking up 18 tackles against Carroll last Saturday, sophomore safety DeQuincy Bergen is also up to 35 tackles on the season.

Like Fowler, Bergen is having an impactful season for a young Lights’ defense. He has had interceptions in back-to-back games and also has two pass breakups.

Bergen and Fowler will need to be strong in the run game this week, as West-

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2017 Frontier Conference Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Montana Tech; 2. Eastern Oregon; T3. Southern Oregon; T3. Carroll College; 5. UM-Western; T6. Rocky Mountain College; T6. College of Idaho; 8. MSU-Northern Havre Daily News Frontier Conference Power Rankings 1. Montana Tech 2. Southern Oregon 3. Rocky Mountain College 4. Carroll College 5. Eastern Oregon 6. UM-Western 7. College of Idaho 8. MSU-Northern

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MSU-Northern Rewind

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Even in the game football, never judge a book by its cover George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The title of this column says it all.

And when it comes to the Montana State University-Northern Lights and the rest of their 2017 season, it rings true.

You can’t judge these Lights based on what you Saturday afternoon inside Blue Pony Stadium — at least not when looking at the scoreboard.

I know the numbers, I was there. The Montana Tech Orediggers smashed a bunch of offensive school records against the Lights. They put up astronomical offensive numbers and all day, they seemingly raced up and down the field.

But the Orediggers are also not an ordinary Frontier Conference team right now. The team you saw in Havre Saturday has every single component needed to win the NAIA national championship this fall. And, if Tech stays healthy, it may not even be close come December. I really believe that.

And as good as tech is, the Lights still racked up more than 500 yards of offense, first-year quarterback Tommy Wilson threw for over 300 yards and the Lights, in their first home game without Zach McKinley in four years, rushed for nearly 150 more.

No, the Diggers might have dominated on the scoreboard, but a closer look reveals the game was a far cry from a massacre.

Instead, you have to look deeper at what these Lights have. They have a passing game that is dangerous and explosive, unlike anything they’ve had in many years. They have an offensive line that is big and strong and will continue to help the running game, which is understandably in rebuild mode after the McKinley years, help find its footing. The Lights have an offense that can strike quick and can sustain drives.

On defense, Northern has talent but is playing with a lot of youth and inexperience. Graduating your entire starting defensive line will cause that.

And that’s what games are for. You can’t simulate game experience, and this Northern defense will get better and will get stingier as the season goes along.

You also have to look at the landscape of the Frontier itself because things have certainly changed. Yes, Tech looks almost unbeatable right now, but nobody else does. And in fact,

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September 22, 2017

Frontier Conference Standings

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

Conf.

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

Overall WL 3-0 3-0 2-2 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 0-3

Last Week Carroll College 34, MSU-Northern 3 Montana Tech 34, Rocky Mountain 28 Southern Oregon 52, UM-Western 28 College of Idaho 28, Eastern Oregon 20 Saturday, Sept. 9 MSU-Northern vs UM-Western Rocky Mountain vs College of Idaho Southern Oregon vs Carroll College Montana Tech vs Eastern Oregon

NAIA Coaches Poll 1. Saint Francis (Ind.) (16)3-0 366 2. Baker (Kan.) 4-0 352 3. Reinhardt (Ga.) 2-0 335 4. Morningside (Iowa) 4-0 327 5. Montana Tech 3-0 310 6. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 3-0 295 7. Doane (Neb.) 3-0 278 8. Grand View (Iowa) 3-1 251 9. Marian (Ind.) 1-1 248 10. Southeastern (Fla.) 3-0 237 11. Saint Xavier (Ill.) 3-0 223 12. Arizona Christian 3-0 216 13. Southern Oregon 3-0 210

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 13 12 14

14. Benedictine (Kan.) 4-0 15. Langston (Okla.) 2-0 16. Georgetown (Ky.) 2-0 17. Tabor (Kan.) 1-1 18. Sterling (Kan.) 2-1 19. Northwestern (Iowa) 3-0 20. Dickinson State (N.D.)2-1 21. Cumberland (Tenn.) 4-0 22. MidAmerica Naz. 3-1 23. Eastern Oregon 1-2 24. Kansas Wesleyan 2-1 25. Concordia (Mich.) 3-0 25. Hastings (Neb.) 3-0

(Neb.) 6.

Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Week Four

Passing: Tanner Trosin, SOU, 360 ypg Receiving: Bronson Adrer, SOU, 120 ypg Receptions: Dion Williams, MT, 7 cpg Rushing: Jed Fike, MT, 154.7 ypg Tackles: Garet Fowler, MSU-N, 35 Sacks: Tre Holmes, SOU, 3.5 sacks INT's: Keena Fagan, RMC, 3 ints

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The MSU-Northern defense makes a play during a Frontier Conference game against Montana Tech Sept. 9 at Blue Pony Stadium. ter in college football. And no matter how good I think the Lights are I can’t predict how many wins they’ll have at the end of this season. But through a fall camp, and two Frontier Conference games this season, I already know these Lights are a good football team and they’re only going to get better.

And just like you can’t always judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge the Lights based solely off what Montana Tech did Saturday either. Instead, just wait and see. These Lights are going to shine bright this season, and into the future. That, I have no doubt about.

16 15 16 18 20 24 21 NR 19 11 25 NR NR

Others receiving votes: : St. Ambrose (Iowa) 21; Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) 18; Midland (Neb.) 8; Peru State

Lights Coaching Staff

the Lights were already just mere seconds away from beating a Rocky Mountain College team that just blew out Carroll College in Helena.

So at the end of the day, I don’t care what the scoreboard said in Blue Pony Stadium Saturday. I know the Lights, and head coach Aaron Christensen did, and they should because they play to win every game.

But for me, I already know how good this Lights’ team is and how good they will be going forward. I’ve seen it in practice, I saw it at the near-miss against Rocky, and I saw it yesterday.

Yes, it’s true, wins are all that mat-

183 176 165 123 103 101 88 81 48 47 37 35 35

Jim Potter The 2017 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff. From left to right: Dan Vanderpan (defensive line), Darold DeBolt (defensive line), Jake Eldridge (defensive coordinator, strength and conditioning), Rick Wells (defensive backs), Aaron Christensen (head coach, offensive coordinator), Anvil Sinsibaugh (offensive line, recruiting coordinator), Jorge Magana (linebacker, defensive line), Kevin Murphy (linebackers), Lance Marshall (wide receivers, tight ends).

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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters

UM-Western Defensive Starters

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MSU-Northern Defensive Starters

MSU-N 2017 Offensive Numbers

UM-W 2017 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 18 ppg, 7th in Frontier

Scoring: 42 ppg, 7th in Frontier

Scoring: 45 ppg, last in Frontier

Total defense: 454 ypg, 7th in Frontier

Total defense: 543 ypg, last in Frontier

Pass defense: 227 ypg, 3rd in Frontier

Pass defense: 210 ypg, 1st in Frontier

Total offense: 382 ypg, 5th in Frontier

Seth Roemelle #88, 6-0, 190 Receiver

AJ Hansen #4, 6-0, 180 Cornerback

Passing: 274 ypg, 4th in Frontier

September 22, 2017

UM-W 2017 Offensive Numbers

MSU-N 2017 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 17 ppg, last in Frontier

Aaron Christensen enters his third season as the Head Football Coach of Montana State UniversityNorthern. He brings with him a decade of coaching experience at the NAIA level.

From 2012 to 2014, Coach Christensen served as the Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for Missouri Valley College (MVC).

Dylan Schmidt #74, 6-4, 275 Offensive line

Tommy Wilson #22, 6-1, 205 Quarterback

Dale Cummings #65, 6-2, 300 Center

Adam Hansen #42, 6-1, 220 Defensive line

Steven Fernandez #23, 6-0, 210 Linebacker

Michael Bennett #38, 6-1, 215 Linebacker

Denzel Maua #97, 6-3, 250

Defensive line

Ryan Handley #73, 6-3, 265 Offensive line

Elijah Cox #51, 6-5, 280 Offensive line

Conlan Smith #99, 6-0, 280 Defensive line

Dequincy Bergen #21, 5-11, 200 Safety

Christian Hanser #5, 5-9, 195 Linebacker

Josh Wright #92, 6-2, 240 Defensive end

Elijah Dennison #95, 6-2, 255 Defensive tackle GaretFowler #12, 5-10, 220 Linebacker

Jason Ferris #33, 6-4, 225 Linebacker

Tristan Clark #28, 6-0, 195 Safety Kitrell Willingham #85, 6-2, 225 Fullback

Rushing: 77 ypg, last in Frontier

Dylan Kelley #25, 5-10, 175 Safety

Jope Fehr #58, 6-3, 225 Defensive line

Donovan Hucke #54, 6-0, 285 Offensive line

Sam Mix #9, 6-1, 190 Receiver

Bennet Gibson #17, 6-1, 240 Quarterback

Hunter Thomsen #44, 5-11, 210 Running back

John Munger #77, 6-3, 275 Offensive line

Alec Wagner

#52, 5-11, 225 Linebacker

Noah Danielson #71, 6-4, 260 Offensive line

Dustin Pickens #41, 6-3, 225 Defensive line

Nate Simkins

#81, 5-10, 160 Receiver

Ryan Sullivan #88, 6-3, 220 Tight end

Kagen Khameneh #15, 6-3, 240 Tight end Tommy Langley #27, 5-11, 190 Kicker

Ryan Nourse Western Head Coach

Ty Lahue #70, 6-5, 385 Offensive line

Jake Norby #31, 6-2, 200 Bandit

Sam Tapia #89, 6-0, 180 Punter

Total offense: 294 ypg, last in Frontier

Chandler Shaw #78, 6-6, 290 Offensive line

Duistin Baum #25, 6-0, 160 Safety

Trey Blanchard #4, 5-10, 200 Running Back

George Sherwood #11, 6-3, 225 Receiver

Jarrod Lucas #6, 5-9, 175 Cornerback

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

Aaron Christensen MSU-N Head Coach

UM-Western Offensive Starters

Devariej Criss #34, 5-9, 175 Corner Zach Janis #39, 5-8, 185 Cornerback

Walker McKitrick #82, 5-10, 170 Receiver

Mark Karachenko

#12, 6-3, 170 Kicker

Nourse begins his fourth season as head coach, and second in a row, after serving as the Western Athletic Director from (2013-2016).

Nourse was the head football coach from the Spring of 2011 through the Spring of 2013, where he led the team for two regular seasons.

Nourse was at Morningside College from 2001-2008 where he spent his last six seasons (20032008) as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. Nourse played collegiately at UM-Western.

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Yr.

Pos. Ht.

3 Casey Klaboe 4 AJ Hansen 5 Christian Hanser 6 Devyn Christian 7 Cade Eastes 10 Melvin Walser 11 George Sherwood 12 Mark Mharchenko 13 Quinn Dennehy 14 Sean Miller 15 J.D. Ferris 17 Bennett Gibson 18 M.J. Simkins 20 Connor Schulte 21 Ridge Tomlin 22 Joe Caicedo 23 Kyle Schulte 24 Logan Slugget 25 Dustin Baum 26 Cody Connolly 27 Jay Owens 28 Tristen Clark 33 Jason Ferris 35 Kylar Prante 36 Jake Malek 37 Sonny Oana 38 Michael Bennett 39 Zach Janis 41 Dustin Pickens 42 Adam Hansen 44 Hunter Thomsen 47 Lyn Cooper 49 Kolby Tamol 50 J ake McElroy 51 Connor McKillop 54 Donovan Hucke 55 Jammer Halverson 57 Hunter Severson 58 Paul Hlefrich 63 Brady Schulz 66 Eric Weaver 68 Manny Rodroguez 69 Hayden Bucmaster 70 Ty Lahue 71 Noah Danielson 74 Mitchell Odden 75 Zach Baker 77 John Munger 78 Chandler Shaw 80 Connor Shaffer 81 Nate Simkins 82 Walker McKitrick 84 Jamison Hermanson 86 Joe Lilio 87 Brandon Hunter 88 Ryan Sullivan 89 Jon Verlanic 90 Wyatt Laakso 92 Cullen Donahoe 94 Jake Rebish 97 Denzel Maua 99 Conlan Smith

So. So. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. FR. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr.

WR 6-5 200 DB 6-0 175 LB 5-11 200 WR 5-5 155 LB 6-0 185 WR 6-5 195 WR 6-3 230 K 6-0 180 DB 6-0 150 QB 6-1 210 QB 6-0 195 QB 6-1 250 DB 6-0 180 OL 5-10 260 DB 6-0 185 RB 6-1 200 LB 6-2 210 DB 5-9 180 DB 6-0 170 DB 6-3 185 DB 6-0 185 DB 6-0 200 LB 6-3 200 RB 5-10 190 LB 6-1 195 DB 5-9 180 LB 6-2 220 DB 5-10 190 DL 6-3 215 DL 6-3 225 RB 5-10 200 TE 6-3 220 TE 5-11 255 LB 5-8 225 LB 5-9 195 OL 6-1 290 DL 5-11 250 OL 6-0 280 LS 6-1 200 OL 6-1 290 OL 6-2 275 OL 6-0 260 OL 6-0 275 OL 6-5 265 OL 6-3 270 DL 6-1 205 OL 6-4 250 OL 6-4 285 OL 6-6 295 K WR 5-11 160 WR 5-11 175 WR 5-11 175 TE 6-4 205 TE 6-2 230 TE 6-5 215 WR 5-10 175 DL 6-4 275 DL 6-2 220 DL 6-1 265 DL 6-3 250 LB 5-9 205

Wt.

Hometown Billings, Montana Rexburg, Idaho Broadview, Montana Meridian, Idaho Drummond, Montana Mount Vernon, Washington Kalispell, Montana Colville, Washington Butte, Montana Blackfoot, Idaho Dillon, Montana Mount Vernon, Washington Dillon, Montana Butte, Montana Red Lodge, Montana Darby, Montana Butte, Montana Winnett, Montana Elko, Nevada Billings, Montana Missoula, Montana Deer Lodge, Montana Dillon, Montana Monesano, Washington Highwood, Montana Kaneohe, Hawaii Seattle, Washington Yakima, Washington Helena, Montana Warden, Washington Great Falls, Montana Billings, Montana Helena, Montana Missoula, Montana Missoula, Montana Dillon, Montana Helena, Montana Sidney, Montana Mammoth, Wyoming Bozeman, Montana Great Falls, Montana Pasco, Washington Fallon, Nevada Nine Mile Falls, Washington Great Falls, Montana Deer Lodge, Montana Columbia Falls, Montana Meridian, Idaho Wenatchee, Washington Spokane, Washington Dillon, Montana Ennis, Montana Great Falls, Montana Kaneohe, Hawaii Reno, Nevada Sidney, Montana Laurel, Montana Bozeman, Montana Helena, Montana Missoula, Montana Billings, Montana Kalispell, Montana

5

MSU-Northern Numerical Roster

UM-Western Numerical Roster # Name

September 22, 2017

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 65 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 78 79 80 81 83 84 85

Name

Yr. Pos. Ht.

Donovan Garner Jett Robertson Corey Lee Trey Blanchard Bryce Missey Jarrod Lucas BJ Peters Morgan McCrary Sam Mix Dylan Cook Jess Krahn Garet Fowler Caymus Thomas Bryce Bumgardner Kagen Khameneh Andrew Morgan Jase McCammond Marvin Williams Christian Williams Dequincy Bergen Tommy Wilson Steven Fernandez Basie Destefanis Dylan Kelley Wylie Novak Tommy Langley Connor Crawford Sam Tapia Bob Schenk Jake Norby Sam Edwards Brooks Dunn Devariej Criss Dakota Schelling Jace Koester Cody Lucke Colt Pederson Adrian Leos Kenneth Pruttis Peter Hamilton Kingston Sua Wyatt McKinlay Jake French Jaren Maki Ian Sparrow Elijah Cox Alec Wagner Brandon Moes Aaron Dolfay Mitchell Harmon Trenton Woodward Gerlad Brascome Joe Fehr Tyler Pallas Dale Cummings Robert Johnson Roger Guillory James Sullivan Ryan Handley Dylan Schmidt Clint Willis Skylor Africa Barnes Jaxon Simonson Duntreal Moss Jake Horner Darius Hatcher Beau Wilhelm Fotios Jordanoglou Kitrell Willingham

Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So.

WR RB DB RB QB DB RB DB WR QB TE LB WR WR TE LB DB WR DB DB QB LB DB DB DB K RB P LB LB LB LB DB LB RB LB LB LB TE LB TE TE LB LB DL OL LB OL LB DL OL OL DL LB OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR TE

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

Wt. Hometown

180 200 190 200 200 175 195 190 190 290 230 225 165 185 240 235 170 170 190 200 205 210 195 175 175 190 190 180 225 200 210 190 175 185 180 205 200 195 210 225 210 205 215 220 230 280 225 240 240 245 275 280 205 210 300 250 270 290 265 275 300 300 280 305 160 165 200 180 225

Miami, Florida Glendale, Arizona Moorpark, California Bloomington, Minn.

Spanaway, Washi.

Hayward, California Rio Vista, California Las Vegas, Nevada Sammamish, Wash.

Butte, Montana Hockinson, Wash.

Belgrade, Montana Spokane, Washington Saint Helens, Oregon Missoula, Montana Waianae, Hawaii Spokane Valley, Wash.

Puyallup, Washington Spokane Valley, Wa. Houston, Texas Fresno, California Apopka, Florida Fresno, California Mesa, Arizona Cut Bank, Montana Tracy, California Missoula, Montana Carlsbad, California Missoula, Montana Chinook, Montana Duarte, California Chandler, Arizona Tacoma, Washington Fallon, Nevada Queen Creek, Arizona Browning, Montana Shelby, Montana Casa Grande, Arizona Chinook, Montana Cut Bank, Montana Federal Way, Wash.

Geraldine, Montana Choteau, Montana Belt, Montana Mesa, Arizona Glendale, Arizona Laurel, Montana Great Falls, Montana Portland, Oregon Rancho, California Three Forks, Montana Eureka, Montana Eureka, Montana Chehalis, Washington Cremona, Alberta Stevensville, Montana Kalispell, Montana Burlington, Washington Missoula, Montana Nine Mile Falls, MT. Gardiner, Montana Banks, Oregon Rudyard, Montana Kalispell, Montana Great Falls, Montana Parkland, Washington White Lake, Michigan Ripon, California Parkland, Washington

No. 88 89 90 91 92 95 98

Name

Yr. Pos. Ht.

Seth Roemmelle Jordan Pugh Connor Coyne Connor Koker Josh Wright Elijah Dennison Ronnie Chavez

Redshirts Xavier Alefaio Chase Alexander Colten Bonny Kody Bowman Chase Garcia Chase Gilbert RJ Henry Joehnis Joyce Justin King Chasen Kipp Koby McCallum Colton Michaels Lucas Olson Justin Pfeifer Chase Storey Ostin Welch

Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr.

Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

Wt. Hometown

WR TE DL LB DL DL DL

6-0 6-5 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-2

190 230 255 215 240 255 245

Claresholm, Alberta Tacoma, Washington Virginia City, Nevada Spokane, Washington Sammamish, Wash.

Enumclaw, Washington Missoula, Montana

WR DL DL OL RB LB WR WR OL WR DB OL DL DL LB DB

6-2 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-6 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-2

200 265 265 250 185 200 180 190 290 180 180 220 220 275 190 175

Parkland, Wash.

Seattle, Wash.

Columbia Falls, MT Chandler, Arizona Valencia, Calif.

Green Acres, Wash.

Fairbanks, Alaska Tacoma, Wash.

Fromberg, MT. Heart Butte, MT. Salem, Oregon Prosser, Wash.

Eatonville, Wash.

Cut Bank, MT. Roy, Utah Malta, MT.

2017 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator, strength & conditioning; Anvil Sinisibaugh offensive line, recruiting coordinator; Jorge Magana, linebackers; Kevin Murphy, linebackers; Dane Vanderpan, defensive line; Lance Marshall, wide receivers; Darold DeBolt, defensive line; Rick Wells, defensive backs.

Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certified Athletic Trainer: Nichole Borst; Sports Information: Kristie Pulin.

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September 22, 2017

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September 22, 2017

Krahn: Converted QB a is true senior leader for the Lights

Krahn: Ups and downs, Krahn wouldn't change a thing

■ From Page 2

■ From Page 6

From there, Krahn was the Lights’ starter. He started all 11 games his sophomore season, throwing for 1,683 yards and 10 touchdowns. He returned as the Lights’ starter last fall too, and quarterbacked the Lights through the first five games, including Northern’s upset win over Carroll College.

But then, a new challenge would present itself for the Krahn.

“We got the big win over Carroll, but we were struggling some after that,” Krahn said of his junior season.

“And Coach Christensen told me that they were going to make a change at quarterback. So I sat down with him and asked him what I needed to do to stay on the field.

If I wasn’t going to have the opportunity to play quarterback anymore, I wanted to be on the field. I wanted to contribute.”

And that’s when Krahn used his size, strength and football knowledge to turn a negative into a positive.

With then senior Caleb McLaren taking over the QB duties for the rest of the 2016 campaign, Krahn switched to tight end, demonstrating a tremendous amount of un-

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson From his true freshman season to midway through his junior year, Jess Krahn started 19 games at quarterback for the Montana State University-Northern Lights, including leading the Lights to a season-ending win at Rocky Mountain College his freshman year. But, even when things didn't end up working out as a quarterback, Krahn stayed true to the Lights and to his love of football.

www.havredailynews.com

selfishness along the way.

“I just wanted to contribute,” Krahn, who stands 6-4 and weighs 230 pounds said. “I’m kind of a bigger guy, I feel I’m pretty athletic, and I had some past experience catching the ball, so tight end seemed to be a good fit.”

Not only was moving to tight end a good fit for Krahn, it was also a way to have one of Northern’s most respected leaders still be a major part of the team moving forward.

And it’s a move that’s paid dividends, both for Krahn and for the Lights.

“Jess has done a great job at tight end,” Christensen said during fall camp. “He’s worked really hard at it.

And he’s doing a great job for us there.”

Indeed. Even with Northern already flush with talent at the tight end and H-back positions, Krahn is now part of that, and he’s once again having a big impact on the Lights’ offense. He caught his first pass of the season

n

See Krahn Page 7

in last week’s game at Carroll, which is a twist of fate since, Krahn made his first start of his collegiate career against the Saints, a long four years ago.

“It’s crazy how fast it’s gone,” Krahn said of his career at Northern.

It has gone by fast, and has been kind of a whirlwind for Krahn. But one thing that has been evident throughout is, he’s always been in the mix of Northern’s offense, whether it was learning from a veteran in Travis Dean, to starting at quarterback, to playing tight ends, and now passing on his leadership and knowledge to the next generation of Lights, Krahn has always helped MSU-N move forward, even when it was hard for himself to move forward.

And that’s what he’ll do for the remainder of his senior season. And while he’s certainly had his share of ups and downs as a Light, Krahn couldn’t have imagined doing anything else during his college years.

“You know, if I wasn’t at Northern, I don’t know where I’d be right now,” Krahn said. “I’ve invested a lot

7

of hard work, blood, sweat and tears into this program, and sure, there have been some hard times for me, and for the program. But I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve had a blast, I’ve had so many great friends and teammates here. I wouldn’t change any of it.

“And for the rest of the season, I just want to continue to contribute and help us get better any way I can,” he continued. “I know the outcome of these first few games wasn’t what we were hoping for, but I think we’ve made big strides this season. I think we’re getting better and better. And that’s what I want to do, keep helping us get better. I want to contribute and be a leader and just know at the end of it all, that I helped this program however I could.”

No matter what happens over the next eight games, Krahn has already helped Northern be a batter program. He’s shown what it means to truly be unselfish.

And, college football, and the game of football, could use a lot more Jess Krahns.

Luckily for the Lights, they have the original.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern's Jess Krahn made the switch to tight end near the end of the 2016 season. Now in his final year at Northern, Krahn says he's enjoying playing a new position. But most importantly, he's proud to be on the field, contributing and being a senior leader. Krahn and the Lights take on UM-Western Saturday at 1 p.m. inside Blue Pony Stadium.

6

September 22, 2017

www.havredailynews.com

September 22, 2017

Krahn: Converted QB a is true senior leader for the Lights

Krahn: Ups and downs, Krahn wouldn't change a thing

■ From Page 2

■ From Page 6

From there, Krahn was the Lights’ starter. He started all 11 games his sophomore season, throwing for 1,683 yards and 10 touchdowns. He returned as the Lights’ starter last fall too, and quarterbacked the Lights through the first five games, including Northern’s upset win over Carroll College.

But then, a new challenge would present itself for the Krahn.

“We got the big win over Carroll, but we were struggling some after that,” Krahn said of his junior season.

“And Coach Christensen told me that they were going to make a change at quarterback. So I sat down with him and asked him what I needed to do to stay on the field.

If I wasn’t going to have the opportunity to play quarterback anymore, I wanted to be on the field. I wanted to contribute.”

And that’s when Krahn used his size, strength and football knowledge to turn a negative into a positive.

With then senior Caleb McLaren taking over the QB duties for the rest of the 2016 campaign, Krahn switched to tight end, demonstrating a tremendous amount of un-

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson From his true freshman season to midway through his junior year, Jess Krahn started 19 games at quarterback for the Montana State University-Northern Lights, including leading the Lights to a season-ending win at Rocky Mountain College his freshman year. But, even when things didn't end up working out as a quarterback, Krahn stayed true to the Lights and to his love of football.

www.havredailynews.com

selfishness along the way.

“I just wanted to contribute,” Krahn, who stands 6-4 and weighs 230 pounds said. “I’m kind of a bigger guy, I feel I’m pretty athletic, and I had some past experience catching the ball, so tight end seemed to be a good fit.”

Not only was moving to tight end a good fit for Krahn, it was also a way to have one of Northern’s most respected leaders still be a major part of the team moving forward.

And it’s a move that’s paid dividends, both for Krahn and for the Lights.

“Jess has done a great job at tight end,” Christensen said during fall camp. “He’s worked really hard at it.

And he’s doing a great job for us there.”

Indeed. Even with Northern already flush with talent at the tight end and H-back positions, Krahn is now part of that, and he’s once again having a big impact on the Lights’ offense. He caught his first pass of the season

n

See Krahn Page 7

in last week’s game at Carroll, which is a twist of fate since, Krahn made his first start of his collegiate career against the Saints, a long four years ago.

“It’s crazy how fast it’s gone,” Krahn said of his career at Northern.

It has gone by fast, and has been kind of a whirlwind for Krahn. But one thing that has been evident throughout is, he’s always been in the mix of Northern’s offense, whether it was learning from a veteran in Travis Dean, to starting at quarterback, to playing tight ends, and now passing on his leadership and knowledge to the next generation of Lights, Krahn has always helped MSU-N move forward, even when it was hard for himself to move forward.

And that’s what he’ll do for the remainder of his senior season. And while he’s certainly had his share of ups and downs as a Light, Krahn couldn’t have imagined doing anything else during his college years.

“You know, if I wasn’t at Northern, I don’t know where I’d be right now,” Krahn said. “I’ve invested a lot

7

of hard work, blood, sweat and tears into this program, and sure, there have been some hard times for me, and for the program. But I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve had a blast, I’ve had so many great friends and teammates here. I wouldn’t change any of it.

“And for the rest of the season, I just want to continue to contribute and help us get better any way I can,” he continued. “I know the outcome of these first few games wasn’t what we were hoping for, but I think we’ve made big strides this season. I think we’re getting better and better. And that’s what I want to do, keep helping us get better. I want to contribute and be a leader and just know at the end of it all, that I helped this program however I could.”

No matter what happens over the next eight games, Krahn has already helped Northern be a batter program. He’s shown what it means to truly be unselfish.

And, college football, and the game of football, could use a lot more Jess Krahns.

Luckily for the Lights, they have the original.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern's Jess Krahn made the switch to tight end near the end of the 2016 season. Now in his final year at Northern, Krahn says he's enjoying playing a new position. But most importantly, he's proud to be on the field, contributing and being a senior leader. Krahn and the Lights take on UM-Western Saturday at 1 p.m. inside Blue Pony Stadium.

8

September 22, 2017

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www.havredailynews.com

Yr.

Pos. Ht.

3 Casey Klaboe 4 AJ Hansen 5 Christian Hanser 6 Devyn Christian 7 Cade Eastes 10 Melvin Walser 11 George Sherwood 12 Mark Mharchenko 13 Quinn Dennehy 14 Sean Miller 15 J.D. Ferris 17 Bennett Gibson 18 M.J. Simkins 20 Connor Schulte 21 Ridge Tomlin 22 Joe Caicedo 23 Kyle Schulte 24 Logan Slugget 25 Dustin Baum 26 Cody Connolly 27 Jay Owens 28 Tristen Clark 33 Jason Ferris 35 Kylar Prante 36 Jake Malek 37 Sonny Oana 38 Michael Bennett 39 Zach Janis 41 Dustin Pickens 42 Adam Hansen 44 Hunter Thomsen 47 Lyn Cooper 49 Kolby Tamol 50 J ake McElroy 51 Connor McKillop 54 Donovan Hucke 55 Jammer Halverson 57 Hunter Severson 58 Paul Hlefrich 63 Brady Schulz 66 Eric Weaver 68 Manny Rodroguez 69 Hayden Bucmaster 70 Ty Lahue 71 Noah Danielson 74 Mitchell Odden 75 Zach Baker 77 John Munger 78 Chandler Shaw 80 Connor Shaffer 81 Nate Simkins 82 Walker McKitrick 84 Jamison Hermanson 86 Joe Lilio 87 Brandon Hunter 88 Ryan Sullivan 89 Jon Verlanic 90 Wyatt Laakso 92 Cullen Donahoe 94 Jake Rebish 97 Denzel Maua 99 Conlan Smith

So. So. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. FR. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr.

WR 6-5 200 DB 6-0 175 LB 5-11 200 WR 5-5 155 LB 6-0 185 WR 6-5 195 WR 6-3 230 K 6-0 180 DB 6-0 150 QB 6-1 210 QB 6-0 195 QB 6-1 250 DB 6-0 180 OL 5-10 260 DB 6-0 185 RB 6-1 200 LB 6-2 210 DB 5-9 180 DB 6-0 170 DB 6-3 185 DB 6-0 185 DB 6-0 200 LB 6-3 200 RB 5-10 190 LB 6-1 195 DB 5-9 180 LB 6-2 220 DB 5-10 190 DL 6-3 215 DL 6-3 225 RB 5-10 200 TE 6-3 220 TE 5-11 255 LB 5-8 225 LB 5-9 195 OL 6-1 290 DL 5-11 250 OL 6-0 280 LS 6-1 200 OL 6-1 290 OL 6-2 275 OL 6-0 260 OL 6-0 275 OL 6-5 265 OL 6-3 270 DL 6-1 205 OL 6-4 250 OL 6-4 285 OL 6-6 295 K WR 5-11 160 WR 5-11 175 WR 5-11 175 TE 6-4 205 TE 6-2 230 TE 6-5 215 WR 5-10 175 DL 6-4 275 DL 6-2 220 DL 6-1 265 DL 6-3 250 LB 5-9 205

Wt.

Hometown Billings, Montana Rexburg, Idaho Broadview, Montana Meridian, Idaho Drummond, Montana Mount Vernon, Washington Kalispell, Montana Colville, Washington Butte, Montana Blackfoot, Idaho Dillon, Montana Mount Vernon, Washington Dillon, Montana Butte, Montana Red Lodge, Montana Darby, Montana Butte, Montana Winnett, Montana Elko, Nevada Billings, Montana Missoula, Montana Deer Lodge, Montana Dillon, Montana Monesano, Washington Highwood, Montana Kaneohe, Hawaii Seattle, Washington Yakima, Washington Helena, Montana Warden, Washington Great Falls, Montana Billings, Montana Helena, Montana Missoula, Montana Missoula, Montana Dillon, Montana Helena, Montana Sidney, Montana Mammoth, Wyoming Bozeman, Montana Great Falls, Montana Pasco, Washington Fallon, Nevada Nine Mile Falls, Washington Great Falls, Montana Deer Lodge, Montana Columbia Falls, Montana Meridian, Idaho Wenatchee, Washington Spokane, Washington Dillon, Montana Ennis, Montana Great Falls, Montana Kaneohe, Hawaii Reno, Nevada Sidney, Montana Laurel, Montana Bozeman, Montana Helena, Montana Missoula, Montana Billings, Montana Kalispell, Montana

5

MSU-Northern Numerical Roster

UM-Western Numerical Roster # Name

September 22, 2017

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 65 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 78 79 80 81 83 84 85

Name

Yr. Pos. Ht.

Donovan Garner Jett Robertson Corey Lee Trey Blanchard Bryce Missey Jarrod Lucas BJ Peters Morgan McCrary Sam Mix Dylan Cook Jess Krahn Garet Fowler Caymus Thomas Bryce Bumgardner Kagen Khameneh Andrew Morgan Jase McCammond Marvin Williams Christian Williams Dequincy Bergen Tommy Wilson Steven Fernandez Basie Destefanis Dylan Kelley Wylie Novak Tommy Langley Connor Crawford Sam Tapia Bob Schenk Jake Norby Sam Edwards Brooks Dunn Devariej Criss Dakota Schelling Jace Koester Cody Lucke Colt Pederson Adrian Leos Kenneth Pruttis Peter Hamilton Kingston Sua Wyatt McKinlay Jake French Jaren Maki Ian Sparrow Elijah Cox Alec Wagner Brandon Moes Aaron Dolfay Mitchell Harmon Trenton Woodward Gerlad Brascome Joe Fehr Tyler Pallas Dale Cummings Robert Johnson Roger Guillory James Sullivan Ryan Handley Dylan Schmidt Clint Willis Skylor Africa Barnes Jaxon Simonson Duntreal Moss Jake Horner Darius Hatcher Beau Wilhelm Fotios Jordanoglou Kitrell Willingham

Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So.

WR RB DB RB QB DB RB DB WR QB TE LB WR WR TE LB DB WR DB DB QB LB DB DB DB K RB P LB LB LB LB DB LB RB LB LB LB TE LB TE TE LB LB DL OL LB OL LB DL OL OL DL LB OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR TE

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

Wt. Hometown

180 200 190 200 200 175 195 190 190 290 230 225 165 185 240 235 170 170 190 200 205 210 195 175 175 190 190 180 225 200 210 190 175 185 180 205 200 195 210 225 210 205 215 220 230 280 225 240 240 245 275 280 205 210 300 250 270 290 265 275 300 300 280 305 160 165 200 180 225

Miami, Florida Glendale, Arizona Moorpark, California Bloomington, Minn.

Spanaway, Washi.

Hayward, California Rio Vista, California Las Vegas, Nevada Sammamish, Wash.

Butte, Montana Hockinson, Wash.

Belgrade, Montana Spokane, Washington Saint Helens, Oregon Missoula, Montana Waianae, Hawaii Spokane Valley, Wash.

Puyallup, Washington Spokane Valley, Wa. Houston, Texas Fresno, California Apopka, Florida Fresno, California Mesa, Arizona Cut Bank, Montana Tracy, California Missoula, Montana Carlsbad, California Missoula, Montana Chinook, Montana Duarte, California Chandler, Arizona Tacoma, Washington Fallon, Nevada Queen Creek, Arizona Browning, Montana Shelby, Montana Casa Grande, Arizona Chinook, Montana Cut Bank, Montana Federal Way, Wash.

Geraldine, Montana Choteau, Montana Belt, Montana Mesa, Arizona Glendale, Arizona Laurel, Montana Great Falls, Montana Portland, Oregon Rancho, California Three Forks, Montana Eureka, Montana Eureka, Montana Chehalis, Washington Cremona, Alberta Stevensville, Montana Kalispell, Montana Burlington, Washington Missoula, Montana Nine Mile Falls, MT. Gardiner, Montana Banks, Oregon Rudyard, Montana Kalispell, Montana Great Falls, Montana Parkland, Washington White Lake, Michigan Ripon, California Parkland, Washington

No. 88 89 90 91 92 95 98

Name

Yr. Pos. Ht.

Seth Roemmelle Jordan Pugh Connor Coyne Connor Koker Josh Wright Elijah Dennison Ronnie Chavez

Redshirts Xavier Alefaio Chase Alexander Colten Bonny Kody Bowman Chase Garcia Chase Gilbert RJ Henry Joehnis Joyce Justin King Chasen Kipp Koby McCallum Colton Michaels Lucas Olson Justin Pfeifer Chase Storey Ostin Welch

Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr.

Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

Wt. Hometown

WR TE DL LB DL DL DL

6-0 6-5 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-2

190 230 255 215 240 255 245

Claresholm, Alberta Tacoma, Washington Virginia City, Nevada Spokane, Washington Sammamish, Wash.

Enumclaw, Washington Missoula, Montana

WR DL DL OL RB LB WR WR OL WR DB OL DL DL LB DB

6-2 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-6 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-2

200 265 265 250 185 200 180 190 290 180 180 220 220 275 190 175

Parkland, Wash.

Seattle, Wash.

Columbia Falls, MT Chandler, Arizona Valencia, Calif.

Green Acres, Wash.

Fairbanks, Alaska Tacoma, Wash.

Fromberg, MT. Heart Butte, MT. Salem, Oregon Prosser, Wash.

Eatonville, Wash.

Cut Bank, MT. Roy, Utah Malta, MT.

2017 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator, strength & conditioning; Anvil Sinisibaugh offensive line, recruiting coordinator; Jorge Magana, linebackers; Kevin Murphy, linebackers; Dane Vanderpan, defensive line; Lance Marshall, wide receivers; Darold DeBolt, defensive line; Rick Wells, defensive backs.

Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certified Athletic Trainer: Nichole Borst; Sports Information: Kristie Pulin.

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September 22, 2017

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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters

UM-Western Defensive Starters

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MSU-Northern Defensive Starters

MSU-N 2017 Offensive Numbers

UM-W 2017 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 18 ppg, 7th in Frontier

Scoring: 42 ppg, 7th in Frontier

Scoring: 45 ppg, last in Frontier

Total defense: 454 ypg, 7th in Frontier

Total defense: 543 ypg, last in Frontier

Pass defense: 227 ypg, 3rd in Frontier

Pass defense: 210 ypg, 1st in Frontier

Total offense: 382 ypg, 5th in Frontier

Seth Roemelle #88, 6-0, 190 Receiver

AJ Hansen #4, 6-0, 180 Cornerback

Passing: 274 ypg, 4th in Frontier

September 22, 2017

UM-W 2017 Offensive Numbers

MSU-N 2017 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 17 ppg, last in Frontier

Aaron Christensen enters his third season as the Head Football Coach of Montana State UniversityNorthern. He brings with him a decade of coaching experience at the NAIA level.

From 2012 to 2014, Coach Christensen served as the Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for Missouri Valley College (MVC).

Dylan Schmidt #74, 6-4, 275 Offensive line

Tommy Wilson #22, 6-1, 205 Quarterback

Dale Cummings #65, 6-2, 300 Center

Adam Hansen #42, 6-1, 220 Defensive line

Steven Fernandez #23, 6-0, 210 Linebacker

Michael Bennett #38, 6-1, 215 Linebacker

Denzel Maua #97, 6-3, 250

Defensive line

Ryan Handley #73, 6-3, 265 Offensive line

Elijah Cox #51, 6-5, 280 Offensive line

Conlan Smith #99, 6-0, 280 Defensive line

Dequincy Bergen #21, 5-11, 200 Safety

Christian Hanser #5, 5-9, 195 Linebacker

Josh Wright #92, 6-2, 240 Defensive end

Elijah Dennison #95, 6-2, 255 Defensive tackle GaretFowler #12, 5-10, 220 Linebacker

Jason Ferris #33, 6-4, 225 Linebacker

Tristan Clark #28, 6-0, 195 Safety Kitrell Willingham #85, 6-2, 225 Fullback

Rushing: 77 ypg, last in Frontier

Dylan Kelley #25, 5-10, 175 Safety

Jope Fehr #58, 6-3, 225 Defensive line

Donovan Hucke #54, 6-0, 285 Offensive line

Sam Mix #9, 6-1, 190 Receiver

Bennet Gibson #17, 6-1, 240 Quarterback

Hunter Thomsen #44, 5-11, 210 Running back

John Munger #77, 6-3, 275 Offensive line

Alec Wagner

#52, 5-11, 225 Linebacker

Noah Danielson #71, 6-4, 260 Offensive line

Dustin Pickens #41, 6-3, 225 Defensive line

Nate Simkins

#81, 5-10, 160 Receiver

Ryan Sullivan #88, 6-3, 220 Tight end

Kagen Khameneh #15, 6-3, 240 Tight end Tommy Langley #27, 5-11, 190 Kicker

Ryan Nourse Western Head Coach

Ty Lahue #70, 6-5, 385 Offensive line

Jake Norby #31, 6-2, 200 Bandit

Sam Tapia #89, 6-0, 180 Punter

Total offense: 294 ypg, last in Frontier

Chandler Shaw #78, 6-6, 290 Offensive line

Duistin Baum #25, 6-0, 160 Safety

Trey Blanchard #4, 5-10, 200 Running Back

George Sherwood #11, 6-3, 225 Receiver

Jarrod Lucas #6, 5-9, 175 Cornerback

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

Aaron Christensen MSU-N Head Coach

UM-Western Offensive Starters

Devariej Criss #34, 5-9, 175 Corner Zach Janis #39, 5-8, 185 Cornerback

Walker McKitrick #82, 5-10, 170 Receiver

Mark Karachenko

#12, 6-3, 170 Kicker

Nourse begins his fourth season as head coach, and second in a row, after serving as the Western Athletic Director from (2013-2016).

Nourse was the head football coach from the Spring of 2011 through the Spring of 2013, where he led the team for two regular seasons.

Nourse was at Morningside College from 2001-2008 where he spent his last six seasons (20032008) as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. Nourse played collegiately at UM-Western.

9

10

September 22, 2017

MSU-Northern Rewind

www.havredailynews.com

Even in the game football, never judge a book by its cover George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The title of this column says it all.

And when it comes to the Montana State University-Northern Lights and the rest of their 2017 season, it rings true.

You can’t judge these Lights based on what you Saturday afternoon inside Blue Pony Stadium — at least not when looking at the scoreboard.

I know the numbers, I was there. The Montana Tech Orediggers smashed a bunch of offensive school records against the Lights. They put up astronomical offensive numbers and all day, they seemingly raced up and down the field.

But the Orediggers are also not an ordinary Frontier Conference team right now. The team you saw in Havre Saturday has every single component needed to win the NAIA national championship this fall. And, if Tech stays healthy, it may not even be close come December. I really believe that.

And as good as tech is, the Lights still racked up more than 500 yards of offense, first-year quarterback Tommy Wilson threw for over 300 yards and the Lights, in their first home game without Zach McKinley in four years, rushed for nearly 150 more.

No, the Diggers might have dominated on the scoreboard, but a closer look reveals the game was a far cry from a massacre.

Instead, you have to look deeper at what these Lights have. They have a passing game that is dangerous and explosive, unlike anything they’ve had in many years. They have an offensive line that is big and strong and will continue to help the running game, which is understandably in rebuild mode after the McKinley years, help find its footing. The Lights have an offense that can strike quick and can sustain drives.

On defense, Northern has talent but is playing with a lot of youth and inexperience. Graduating your entire starting defensive line will cause that.

And that’s what games are for. You can’t simulate game experience, and this Northern defense will get better and will get stingier as the season goes along.

You also have to look at the landscape of the Frontier itself because things have certainly changed. Yes, Tech looks almost unbeatable right now, but nobody else does. And in fact,

www.havredailynews.com

September 22, 2017

Frontier Conference Standings

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

Conf.

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

Overall WL 3-0 3-0 2-2 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 0-3

Last Week Carroll College 34, MSU-Northern 3 Montana Tech 34, Rocky Mountain 28 Southern Oregon 52, UM-Western 28 College of Idaho 28, Eastern Oregon 20 Saturday, Sept. 9 MSU-Northern vs UM-Western Rocky Mountain vs College of Idaho Southern Oregon vs Carroll College Montana Tech vs Eastern Oregon

NAIA Coaches Poll 1. Saint Francis (Ind.) (16)3-0 366 2. Baker (Kan.) 4-0 352 3. Reinhardt (Ga.) 2-0 335 4. Morningside (Iowa) 4-0 327 5. Montana Tech 3-0 310 6. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 3-0 295 7. Doane (Neb.) 3-0 278 8. Grand View (Iowa) 3-1 251 9. Marian (Ind.) 1-1 248 10. Southeastern (Fla.) 3-0 237 11. Saint Xavier (Ill.) 3-0 223 12. Arizona Christian 3-0 216 13. Southern Oregon 3-0 210

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 13 12 14

14. Benedictine (Kan.) 4-0 15. Langston (Okla.) 2-0 16. Georgetown (Ky.) 2-0 17. Tabor (Kan.) 1-1 18. Sterling (Kan.) 2-1 19. Northwestern (Iowa) 3-0 20. Dickinson State (N.D.)2-1 21. Cumberland (Tenn.) 4-0 22. MidAmerica Naz. 3-1 23. Eastern Oregon 1-2 24. Kansas Wesleyan 2-1 25. Concordia (Mich.) 3-0 25. Hastings (Neb.) 3-0

(Neb.) 6.

Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Week Four

Passing: Tanner Trosin, SOU, 360 ypg Receiving: Bronson Adrer, SOU, 120 ypg Receptions: Dion Williams, MT, 7 cpg Rushing: Jed Fike, MT, 154.7 ypg Tackles: Garet Fowler, MSU-N, 35 Sacks: Tre Holmes, SOU, 3.5 sacks INT's: Keena Fagan, RMC, 3 ints

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The MSU-Northern defense makes a play during a Frontier Conference game against Montana Tech Sept. 9 at Blue Pony Stadium. ter in college football. And no matter how good I think the Lights are I can’t predict how many wins they’ll have at the end of this season. But through a fall camp, and two Frontier Conference games this season, I already know these Lights are a good football team and they’re only going to get better.

And just like you can’t always judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge the Lights based solely off what Montana Tech did Saturday either. Instead, just wait and see. These Lights are going to shine bright this season, and into the future. That, I have no doubt about.

16 15 16 18 20 24 21 NR 19 11 25 NR NR

Others receiving votes: : St. Ambrose (Iowa) 21; Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) 18; Midland (Neb.) 8; Peru State

Lights Coaching Staff

the Lights were already just mere seconds away from beating a Rocky Mountain College team that just blew out Carroll College in Helena.

So at the end of the day, I don’t care what the scoreboard said in Blue Pony Stadium Saturday. I know the Lights, and head coach Aaron Christensen did, and they should because they play to win every game.

But for me, I already know how good this Lights’ team is and how good they will be going forward. I’ve seen it in practice, I saw it at the near-miss against Rocky, and I saw it yesterday.

Yes, it’s true, wins are all that mat-

183 176 165 123 103 101 88 81 48 47 37 35 35

Jim Potter The 2017 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff. From left to right: Dan Vanderpan (defensive line), Darold DeBolt (defensive line), Jake Eldridge (defensive coordinator, strength and conditioning), Rick Wells (defensive backs), Aaron Christensen (head coach, offensive coordinator), Anvil Sinsibaugh (offensive line, recruiting coordinator), Jorge Magana (linebacker, defensive line), Kevin Murphy (linebackers), Lance Marshall (wide receivers, tight ends).

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September 22, 2017

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The Art of Unselfishness Through all kinds of challenges, Jess Krahn has always been about being part of the team George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Jess Krahn never liked watching football – from the sidlines that is. No, Krahn has always preferred being a part of the game rather than a spectator of it.

And that’s why, through even difficult times, Krahn has always wanted to do whatever he could do to play, to contribute to the Montana State University-Northern football team.

And contributing has come in many different forms for the senior from Hockinson, Washington.

Once upon a time, Krahn was Northern’s starting quarterback. But now, in his final season, he’s a reserve tight end for the Lights. Krahn caught his first pass of the season in last week’s road game at Carroll College.

And the fact that Krahn is playing tight end, speak volumes about his character, his leadership and his love of Northern football.

“I’m really enjoying it,” Krahn said of the position change. “It’s a lot different than playing quarterback. It’s a different view of the game up there on the line as opposed to looking over it. It’s been a new challenge for me, and I’m having a lot of fun with it.”

Krahn has certainly had his challenges at Northern, and what is most impressive about him is, he’s met every one of them with a great attitude, one that has always set a positive example for his teammates.

The first challenge came when Krahn was thrust into the starting QB role his freshman season. Then senior Travis Dean

There are a lot of hard-nosed, toughminded, defensive coaches in the Frontier Conference. But, even they have surrendered to the modern game of college football.

So to say the least, through four weeks of play, the Frontier is an offensive league – and it’s obvious.

The league has four of the NAIA’s Top 20 passing quarterbacks right now, with Southern Oregon’s Tanner Trosin topping that list. Trosin is a great story. Two years ago, he replaced SOU’s legendary quarterback Austin Dodge and led the Raiders to the brink of a second straight national championship. Last year, he suffered a season-ending injury, but is back in 2017 and is averaging 360 yards per game for the undefeated Raiders. That’s seventh in the NAIA, and he’s also third in the nation in total offense.

See Krahn Page 6

MSU-Northern Lights vs UM-Western Bulldogs Montana State University-Northern Location: Havre, Mont.

Nickname: Lights Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2017 record: 0-3 0-3

2016 record: 1-9, 1-9 Head coach: Aaron Christensen Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium Streak: Lights have lost 10 straight games dating back to last September's win over Carroll College.

Saturday, September 23, 2017 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 1 p.m.

Montana Western Location: Dillon, Mont.

Nickname: Bulldogs Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior tight end Jess Krahn has seen his share of highs and lows as a Light. But one thing has always remained, Krahn is an unselfish player and a true team leader for the Lights. For more photos, go to www.havredailynews.com.

Colors: Red and Black 2017 record: 1-2, 1-3

2016 record: 6-4, 7-4 Head coach: Ryan Nourse Stadium: Vigalante Stadium Streak: The Bulldogs have finished in the top four in the Frontier Conference in each of the last three seasons.

September 22, 2017

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Frontier getting downright offensive George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

was having an outstanding season for the Lights, but in the seventh game of that year, Dean suffered a season-ending injury, and Krahn, a true freshman, was the next man up.

He would make his first career start against vaunted Carroll College, and eventually, he would lead the Lights to a seasonending win at Rocky Mountain College.

“My freshman year, I was kind of pulling my hair out, because I just wasn’t used to not playing,” Krahn said. “I knew coming in that Travis was the guy, and he was great.

I learned a ton from him. But, I was a fouryear starter in high school, so it was pretty tough watching from the sidelines.

“But I always tried to just stay ready in case they needed me, and in that game against Eastern Oregon, Travis got hurt, and I had to go in,” he continued. “That was a big challenge for me, having to start those last few games as a freshman.”

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But Trosin’s big numbers have him far from alone. Montana Tech senior Quinn McQueary is off to an incredible start.

He’s 10th in the country in passing at 344 yards per game and is fourth in the nation in total offense. In his first two games of the year, McQueary threw for 992 yards and nine touchdowns.

The next two quarterbacks on the list will meet this Saturday. UM-Western senior Bennett Gibson, a fifth-year senior, who has taken over Western’s starting job for the injured J.D. Ferris, is 21st in the nation in passing, while Northern junior Tommy Wilson is in the Top 20 in the NAIA in passing and total offense. Wilson averages 270 yards and has six touchdowns so far in his

first year at Northern, and that’s despite a rough outing last Saturday at Carroll College.

Wilson and Gibson, two veteran quarterbacks will go head-to-head Saturday at Blue Pony Stadium when the Lights host the Bulldogs. Both teams have struggled out of the gate, as the Lights are 0-3 and the Bulldogs 1-3 on the season. But, if what’s transpired so far in the Frontier is any indication, expect nothing less than passing fireworks when the Lights and Western hook up.

Making the Tackle While Wilson has been an emerging star on offense for the Lights, Northern also has a tackling machine on defense too. But he’s

Today in the Frontier Conference University of Montana-Western Bulldogs (1-2, 1-3)

At Montana State University-Northern Lights (0-3, 0-3) College of Idaho (1-2, 1-3) at Rocky Mountain College (2-1, 2-2) in Billings, Mont.

Carroll College (1-2, 1-2) at No. 13 Southern Oregon (3-0, 3-0) in Ashland, Ore.

No. 5 Montana Tech (3-0, 3-0) at No. 23 Eastern Oregon (1-1, 1-2) in LaGrande, Ore.

Full Coverage on Twitter @HavreDaily

been a known commodity.

Senior Garet Fowler has been all over the field through Northern’s first three games, totaling 35 tackles, averaging 11.7 per contest. Through two games, Fowler, a former Belgrade high star was leading the Frontier Conference, and he currently sits fifth in the nation in total tackles, with 20 solo stops to his credit. Fowler also has an interception, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble on his resume this season.

But, one of his buddies has now joined him as the Frontier leader in tackles. After racking up 18 tackles against Carroll last Saturday, sophomore safety DeQuincy Bergen is also up to 35 tackles on the season.

Like Fowler, Bergen is having an impactful season for a young Lights’ defense. He has had interceptions in back-to-back games and also has two pass breakups.

Bergen and Fowler will need to be strong in the run game this week, as West-

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2017 Frontier Conference Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Montana Tech; 2. Eastern Oregon; T3. Southern Oregon; T3. Carroll College; 5. UM-Western; T6. Rocky Mountain College; T6. College of Idaho; 8. MSU-Northern Havre Daily News Frontier Conference Power Rankings 1. Montana Tech 2. Southern Oregon 3. Rocky Mountain College 4. Carroll College 5. Eastern Oregon 6. UM-Western 7. College of Idaho 8. MSU-Northern

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Notebook: Lights have the the top two tacklers in the Frontier Conference through three games ■ From Page 11 ern boasts a powerful running attack, led by senior running back Hunter Thomsen, who has 264 yards so far, and is averaging 70 yards per outing.

Yotes do it Again Every year, it seems as if the College of Idaho has a signature win, one that causes the rest of the league to take notice.

Last Saturday was one of those, as the Yotes beat 11th-ranked Eastern Oregon at Simplot Stadium in Nampa, Idaho. In their 28-20 home win, C of I was surprisingly balanced, totaling 220 yards on the ground and 220 through the air. But where the Yotes really stood out was on defense. They held the

potent Mounties to just 348 yards of offense, and just 200 passing. EOU averaged just 4.5 yards per play, and the 14-0 lead the Yotes grabbed in the first quarter, was enough to keep the Mounties at bay the rest of the way.

The Yotes will try and make it two in a row against the surprise team of the Frontier this week, when they travel to take on Rocky Mountain College in Billings. The Battlin’ Bears have come on strong since a season-opening loss to Dickinson State, including nearly pulling off a huge upset against Montana Tech last weekend.

Frontier Honors

SOU’s Tanner Trosin was named the Frontier Offensive Player of the Week. The 6-0, 180-pound QB from Folsom, California threw for 404 yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed for a score in SOU’s 5828 win over Western last Saturday. Major Ali of Carroll College, Quinn McQueary of Montana Tech and Darius-James Peterson of College of Idaho, were also nominated.

C of I’s Forrest Rivers was named Frontier Defensive Player of the Week. Rivers is a 5-11, 220-pound sophomore linebacker from Corona, Calif. In College of Idaho’s 2820 conference home win over No. 11 Eastern Oregon, Rivers recorded 10 solo tackles, one assisted tackle, three tackles for loss (-23), two quarterback sacks and a fumble recov-

ery. Isiah Carter of Southern Oregon, Zach Janis of Montana Western, Haziel Ledezma of Eastern Oregon, Drew Melton of Carroll College and Connor Wines of Montana Tech were also nominated.

Carroll’s Shane Sipes is the Frontier Special Teams Player of the Week. Sipes is a 6-2, 190-pound freshman wide receiver from Newbury Park, Calif. In Carroll’s 34-3 home conference win over MSU-Northern, Sipes had two kick returns totaling 125 yards including an 85-yard return for a touchdown. Also nominated were Nathan Harden of Eastern Oregon, Derrick Holt of Montana Tech and Kyle Mitchell of College of Idaho.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern freshman Marvin Williams is one of the top receivers in the Frontier Conference through three games. Northern is still in search of its first win and will try for that win when the Lights host UM-Western Saturday at 1 p.m. inside Blue Pony Stadium.