MSU-N Game Day 10-26-2013

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Notebook: Southern Oregon is rolling through the Frontier schedule after a bad start ■ From Page 11 defenders have seven INT’s to their credit. So the story of Saturday’s huge showdown at Blue Pony Stadium for the Lights will be, taking care of the football. If Northern can hold on to the ball, and find a way to get in the endzone, then Carroll will certainly have its hands full, and believe it or not, the game will be part of a series of events which helps decide the Frontier championship. They’re doing it again Everyone who counted Southern Oregon out after Frontier losses to Western and Rocky in September will now want to take those predictions back. SOU’s 55-28 win over Northern last Saturday was the Raiders’ fourth straight victory, and their fifth straight game in which they’ve piled up more than 50 points and 500 yards of offense. It’s tough to say a loss is a good for a team, but SOU’s 63-57 overtime loss to Big Sky Conference member Sacramento State last month obviously jump-started the Raiders. Sac. State is no slouch in the Big Sky, and the fact the Raiders should have beat an NCAA

Division I opponent may have been a blessing. Since that time, no one in the league has been able to slow the Raiders down. Northern did it for a half, but SOU blitzed the Lights with 31 points in the third quarter and never looked back. The Raiders basically did the same thing a year ago, winning six straight games to clinch a share of the Frontier title. Now, SOU is on the same pace, and in many ways, the Raiders can control their own destiny. They don’t hold a tiebreaker over Rocky and don’t play the Bears again. But Rocky still has to play at Carroll, and SOU gets its crack at the Saints on Nov. 2. So for the second straight season, the Raiders are bent on making it a wild finish in the Frontier. Freshman breaks the Streak Montana Tech’s four-game losing streak is over, and it was a true freshman from Helena, home of Tech’s biggest rival, which propelled the Orediggers to a much-needed win. Last Saturday in Butte, freshman quarterback Dawson Reardon, from Helena High,

threw for 283 yards a touchdown in Tech’s 3414 win over Dickinson State. But Reardon’s legs were the biggest factor as a he ran in to scores against the struggling DSU defense, which also yielded 144 yards on the ground to Tech running back Pat Hansen. Reardon is Tech’s third starting QB this season. The defending Frontier champions started the year with transfer Herman Tarpley under center. He played in five games, but has been injured some. Former starter Brian Schwarzkoph has also seen action this season, but Reardon got the not Saturday, and shined in his first college game. Stop Him Carroll College certainly has the best football stadium in the Frontier Conference. But junior running back Dustin Rinker seems to like Blue Pony Stadium too. Rinker, who only became the full-time starter for the Saints this season, after playing behind All-American Chance Demarais the last two years, is having a fabulous season. He’s rushed for 778 yards and seven touchdowns on the year. But

he didn’t have any success against the Lights last month in Helena, where he was held to a season-low 71 yards. But now Rinker is coming to Havre. In Carroll’s last two trips to the Pony, Rinker has left tire tracks all over the field. As a freshman in 2011, Rinker carried 31 times and ran for 241 yards against the Lights in Havre. And last August, under the Blue Pony Stadium lights, he piled up another 94 yards, this time, alongside Demarais as Carroll won the season-opener handily. So it will be interesting to see which force shows up this Saturday. Rinker has had big games in Havre in his career, but the Lights shut him down last month in Helena. That battle between Rinker and the stout Northern run defense is going to be a big one. Think Pink Saturday’s game between Northern and Carroll will be Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Blue Pony Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear pink, and the Lights will be adding some pink to their uniforms for the game.

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton Montana State University-Northern's Dylan Woodhall looks for running room during the Lights' game at Carroll College last month. Carroll beat the Lights 31-3 in Helena, and come to Havre for a rematch with the Lights on Saturday. Kickoff at Blue Pony Stadium is set for 1 p.m.

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They've always given OJ the ball MSU-N finally returning home MSU-Northern's Orin Johnson, from the proud tradition of Cut Bank, has been one of the most reliable and versatile receivers in Lights history George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com When it comes to high school football players flooding into the Frontier Conference, you instantly think of schools like Helena Capitol, CMR, Bozeman, Billings West, Polson, Miles, City, the list could go on. But the Frontier wouldn’t be what it is without players from the small schools too, and that rings especially true over the years

at Montana State University-Northern. And one of those small programs that’s been particularly good to the Lights is Cut Bank High School. Cut Bank has a strong football tradition that dates back to the powerhouse teams of the late 80’s and early 90’s, but in modern times, as it relates to the Lights, Cut Bank produced Northern great Orin Johnson, and the Lights are so thankful it did. Johnson, now in his senior season at Northern, has been one of the most steady and reliable Lights in years. He’s basically a four-year starter and has played more downs than any Northern receiver in recent history. And he’s leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten any time soon, and that legacy all began for him playing for the Purple and Gold Wolves in high school. “That program did so much for me,” Johnson said of his high school alma mata. “Coach Schilling was a huge influence on me, not only as an athlete but as a person. The history of our program was important too, I knew about the Kowalski’s and all the

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

success of those great teams they had. You learn about that Cut Bank tradition growing up.” Another coach of Johnson’s in high school helped pave the way for him to come to Havre too. “Hugo Anderson, who coached at Northern for a little while,” Johnson said. “He came up and helped coach when I was in high school, and he really helped establish that connection with Northern. He was another big influence on me, and it’s pretty cool to look back and see how all that worked out.” To say it’s worked out for Johnson, and for Northern would be an understatement. After red-shirting in 2009, Johnson has

Road games in the Frontier Conference can be brutal. Just ask the Montana State University-Northern Lights, who haven’t set foot on the turf at Blue Pony Stadium since Sept. 21. In fact, the season is already more than half over and the Lights have played exactly two home games. But Northern’s three-game, month-long road swing wasn’t just your average Frontier Conference trip. No, in all three of the Lights’ games, at UM-Western, at Rocky Mountain College, and at Southern Oregon, they were going up against a team which was inside the NAIA Coaches Poll. When Northern played at Western, the Bulldogs were ranked No. 15. Three weeks ago in Billings, the Bears were ranked No. 16 and are now up to No. 10. And, in last week’s loss to

■ See OJ Page 6 Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton Photo right: Montana State UniversityNorthern senior Orin Johnson is a former Cut Bank star who's brought the Wolves' proud tradition and work ethic to Northern for the past five years.

MSU-Northern Lights vs Carroll College Montana State University Northern

2012 record: 3-7 (3-7) Head coach: Mark Samson

Location: Havre, MT

Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium

Nickname: Lights

Streak: The Lights have won four straight at Blue Pony Stadium dating back to the ﬁnal two games of the 2012 season.

Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2013 record: 4-3 (4-3)

Saturday, October 26, 2013 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 1 pm Carroll College

2012 record: 7-4 (7-3)

Colors: Purple and Gold 2013 record: 6-1 (5-1)

tough as it gets. However, the bright spot is, the Lights are finally at home. They still have plenty to play for this season, including the Frontier championship. Yes, Northern has lost two straight, but the Lights are still in control of their destiny to a point, because not only does MSU-N have an opportunity to make up ground on Carroll Saturday, but the Lights also get Rocky at home on Nov. 16, and that could be an even bigger game provided the Lights haven’t dropped another contest by then. In order to make that happen however, the Lights will need to regroup, and one thing they absolutely cannot do if they want to stay with Carroll, and stay in the Frontier title chase, is, they can’t turn

Today in the Frontier Conference No. 7 Carroll College Fighting Saints (5-1, 6-1)

At Montana StateUniversity Northern Lights (4-3, 4-3)

Head coach: Mike Van Diest

Location: Helena, Mt. Nickname: Fighting Saints

Southern Oregon, the Raiders were basically ranked No. 26, and in the new NAIA Poll, they’re No. 22. MSU-N went 1-2 on the trip, losing at both Rocky and SOU, but the schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Lights now that they’re home. Now MSU-N has to take on Carroll College for the second time this season, in what will be the Lights’ second homecoming game of 2013. Carroll will bring a No. 7 ranking to Blue Pony Stadium on Saturday, as well as a 17-game winning streak against the Lights. The Saints beat Northern 31-3 back in early September in Helena. So, while the talk of such a brutal road schedule was well-founded for the Lights, turning around and playing Carroll at home is about as

Stadium: Nelso Stadium Streak: Carroll has won 17 straight games against Northern dating back to a 2006 loss in Havre.

No. 10 Rocky Mountain College (5-1, 6-1) at Dickinson State (0-6, 1-6) In Dickinson, N.D. Eastern Oregon (2-5, 2-5) at Montana Tech (2-4, 2-4)

in Butte

UM-Western (3-3, 3-3) at No. 22 Southern Oregon (4-2, 4-3) in LaGrande, Ore.

2013 Frontier Conference Coaches Preseason Poll

1. Carroll College 1. Montana Tech 3. Southern Oregon 4. Rocky Mountain College 5. MSU-Northern 6. Eastern Oregon 7. UM-Western 8. Dickinson State the ball over. The Lights threw three more interceptions at Southern Oregon last week, in a game Northern trailed just 10-7 at halftime. The Lights have six interceptions and two lost fumbles in their last two games, and that’s been a big difference in why they were unsuccessful against the Bears and Raiders. Now Carroll comes into Havre

Havre Daily News Week Eight Frontier Conference Power Rankings

1. Carroll College 2. Rocky Mountain College 3. Southern Oregon 4. MSU-Northern 5. UM-Western 6. Montana Tech 7. Eastern Oregon 8. Dickinson State with one of the best pass defenses in the Frontier. Not only do the Saints allow a paltry 11 points per game, but they also surrender a scant 183 yards per outing through the air. The Saints are also plus seven in turnover margin this season, which is first in the league, and Carroll

� See Notebook Page 12

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Carroll College Numerical Roster No.Name 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 56 57 58 59 60

Year

Anthony Clarke JR Zack Saucedo JR Jared Mayernik JR James Dowgin SO Adam DeBurycker SO Dylan Green* FR Jake Konen SO Dominique Cole JR Colton Schoﬁeld SR Mike Siegersma SR Matt Wymore SO Andy Ritter SO Tanner Gustavsen FR Matt Upham SR Rhys Felton SO Dakota Stonehouse SR Mike VanArendonk SO Mac Roche SO J.T. Linder* FR Graham Bogumill SO Dylan Simac SO Greg Tucker JR Sean Donahue SR Jake McKinney SO Connor Smith FR Jordan Pine JR Ryan Gregory* FR Matt Michellotti* FR Kyle M. Grifﬁth FR Chance Smith JR Taylor South* FR Dustin Rinker JR Travis Knoll SO Preston Antila SR Colin Hoeffner* FR Ryan Walsh FR Beugh Meyer FR Colter Rood JR Casey Norbeck SR Dakota Amy SR Gus Somerfeld SO Alec Basterrechea* FR T.J. Crippen SR Dawson Osborn SO Ty Irving FR Shane Drubin SO Sean Blomquist JR Daniel Simmons JR Tucker Johnson FR Aaron Worth JR Nik Edens FR Maxl Smith* FR David Anderson FR Jared Munsterman FR Zeke Koslosky* FR Alex Kastens JR Ryan McCauley* FR Sean Condon JR Joe Stoutt* FR Xavier Johnson FR Decker Roberts SR James Hogan* FR Tyson Budler* FR Darby George* FR Jacob Babcock* FR

Pos. WR DB WR DB RB RB LB DB DE WR DB WR QB DB P QB QB QB QB DB WR WR DB RB K RB DB DB WR DB DB RB RB DB RB RB DE RB LB DE DE LB LB LB DB LB LB LB DB RB LB LB LB DE LB OL DE DE LB DE DT OL OL LB OL

Ht. 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-5 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-2

Wt. 190 185 185 187 198 210 220 178 240 195 186 195 190 205 190 205 211 205 198 207 210 190 180 210 175 205 185 190 180 178 170 205 202 185 190 185 252 220 215 275 250 218 225 232 190 232 230 236 185 205 215 226 185 225 230 280 240 250 220 240 265 260 245 240 260

Hometown Blackfoot, ID Watsonville, CA Stocket, MT Greeley, CO Choteau, MT Riverside, WA Kalispell, MT Livermore, CA Henderson, NV Nampa, ID Nampa, ID Butte, MT Boise, ID Helena, MT Australia Glenwood Springs, CO Kalispell, MT Whitefish, MT Dillon, MT Helena, MT Helena, MT Las Vegas, NV Helena, MT Richland, WA Spokane Valley, WA Olympia, WA Spokane, WA Helena, MT Kalispell, MT Idaho Falls, ID East Helena, MT Riggins, ID Big Fork, MT Green River, WY Townsend, MT Wilsonville, OR Boise, ID Green River, WY Butte, WA Harrison, ID Vaughn, MT Gooding, ID Colstrip, MT Sheridan, WY Spokane, WA Lewistown, MT Helena, MT Whitefish, MT Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Littleton, CO Boise, ID Whitefish, MT Frenchtown, MT Hermiston, OR Dillon, MT Coeur d' Alene Herriman, UT Laurel, MT Sammamish, WA Richland, WA Billings, MT Helena, MT Chadron, NE Cottonwood Heights, UT Columbia Falls, MT

No.Name Year 61 Zach Balcom SR 62 Will DeVries JR 63 Zac Rossman* FR 64 Tyson Cooper JR 65 Tim Pays FR 65 Nathan Woods SR 66 Connor Cappis FR 67 Levi Coughlin SR 67 Todd Pays FR 68 Alex Ritter SO 69 Luke Frauenholtz SO 70 Brandon Vedder SO 71 Riley Schell SO 72 Dominic Salle JR 73 Ryan Armstrong SO 74 Andrew Blum SO 75 Michael Blum SO 77 Josh James SO 78 Grady Holt-Seavy* FR 80 Elliott McGill* FR 81 Cameron Nelson FR 82 Nate Hinrichs SO 83 Colter Hamel* FR 84 Ray Walker FR 85 Cole Coba SR 86 Tyler Jacobson JR 87 Matt Fey SO 88 Colton Pipinich SO 90 David Barnett FR 91 Brandon Arlian SR 92 Austin Moore* FR 93 Dain Adams SO 94 Kyle Smith SO 95 Jeff Gueck JR 96 Bryan Graupmann JR 97 Jared McCauley* FR 99 Matt Kriz JR

Pos. OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DT OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL TE WR/K TE WR/K TE TE WR WR TE LB DL LB DL DE DE DE DE DL

Ht. 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-6 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3

Wt. 270 280 270 290 250 290 255 302 245 260 255 275 290 288 295 280 285 294 285 232 185 235 190 210 240 185 185 253 205 250 210 255 280 246 232 225 275

Hometown Missoula, MT Havre, MT Belgrade, MT Soda Springs, ID Sandpoint, ID Columbia Falls, MT Great Falls, MT Helmville, MT Sandpoint, ID Butte, MT Everett, WA Lake Havasu, AZ Farmington, WA Seattle, WA Miles City, MT Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati, OH Coeur d'Alene Billings, MT Salt Lake City, UT Redmond, WA Helena, MT Green River, WY Nampa, ID Boise, ID Missoula, MT Portland, OR Helena, MT Hermiston, OR Big Timber, MT Yuma, AZ Moscow, ID Casper, WY Springville, UT Great Falls, MT Herriman, UT Athel, ID

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Frontier Conference Standings Conf. WL Carroll College 5-1 Rocky Mountain 5-1 Southern Oregon 4-2 MSU-Northern 4-3 UM-Western 3-3 Montana Tech 2-4 Eastern Oregon 2-4 Dickinson State 0-7

Overall WL 6-1 6-1 4-3 4-3 3-3 2-4 2-5 1-7

Last Saturday Southern Oregon 55, MSU-Northern 28 Carroll 31, UM-Western 7 Montana Tech 34, Dickinson State 14 Rocky Mountain 45, Eastern Oregon 13 Saturday, Oct. 26 MSU-Northern vs Carroll Rocky Mountain at Dickinson State UM-Western at Southern Oregon Eastern Oregon at Montana Tech

NAIA Top 25 Rec. Pts 1. Morningside (Iowa) 2. Cumberlands (Ky.) 3. Grand View (Iowa) 4. Saint Francis (Ind.) 5. Benedictine (Kan.) 6. Missouri Valley 7. Carroll (Mont.) 8. St. Ambrose (Iowa) 9. Baker (Kan.) 10. Rocky Mountain 11. Tabor (Kan.) 12. Peru State (Neb.)

6-0 6-0 7-0 5-1 7-0 5-1 6-1 5-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1

288 275 267 252 244 230 223 209 205 186 179 164

Rnk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 12 13 16

13. Ottawa (Kan.) 14. Saint Xavier (Ill.) 15. Faulkner (Ala.) 16. Concordia (Neb.) 17. Georgetown (Ky.) 18. Friends (Kan.) 19. Reinhardt (Ga.) 20. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 21. Sterling (Kan.) 22. Southern Oregon 23. Northwestern (Iowa) 24. St. Francis (Ill.) 25. Bacone (Okla.)

5-2 4-3 5-2 6-1 3-3 5-2 5-2 5-2 5-2 4-3 4-2 4-3 5-2

145 137 131 107 106 96 94 92 66 61 45 25 22

8 17 19 14 11 15 24 21 NR NR NR 20 NR

Others receiving votes: : Montana State-Northern 13; Trinity International (Ill.) 7; Valley City State (N.D.) 5; Nebraska Wesleyan 3.

Frontier Conference Individual Leaders For 2013

Passing: Austin Dodge, SOU, 419 ypg Receiving: Dylan Young ,SOU, 127 ypg Receptions: Ryan Retzlaff, SOU, 8 cpg Rushing: Sam Rutherford, UM-W, 135 ypg Tackles: Gary Posten, EOU, 12.1 tpg Sacks: Phil Selin, UM-W, 7 sacks INT's: James Dowgin, CC, 3 INT's

Lights Coaching Staff

2013 Northern Football Staff Top row from left to right: Darold DeBolt, defensive line; Kennedy Anderson, linebackers; Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning; Jorge Magana, student assistant and offensive line; Front row: Scott Leeds, wide receivers; Kyle Samson, offensive coordinator, QB's and recruiting; Mark Samson, head coach; Ron LaTray, defensive backs; Brandon O'Brien. Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certiﬁed Athletic Trainer: Christian Oberquell; Assistant Athletic Trainer: Nichole Borst; Sports Information: Laramie Schwenke.

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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters

Carroll College Defensive Starters

MSU-N Offensive Numbers

CC Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 26 ppg, 5th in Frontier. Total offense: 454 ypg, 3rd in Frontier.

Scoring: 10 ppg, 1st in Frontier Orin Johnson #4, 6-0, 200 Receiver

Mike Siegersma #9, 6-1, 195 Cornerback

Rushing: 230 ypg, 2nd in Frontier

Total defense: 291 ypg, 1st in Frontier Rush defense: 107 ypg, 2nd in Frontier

Patrick Kiser #68, 6-3, 295 Left tackle Brandt Montelius #88, 6-1, 195 Reciever

Mark Samson MSU-N Head Coach Samson enters his 10th year at the helm of the Lights program. So far, he has complied a 51-52 record and led the Lights to five winning seasons and an NAIA playoff berth in 2006. Samson has also served as MSU-N's athletic director. As a head coach at Helena Capitol, he won several Class AA state titles.

Pete Morales #77, 6-1, 285 Left guard

Bryan Graupman #96, 6-2, 234 Defensive End

Dawson Osborn #40, 6-3, 234 Linebacker Matt Upham #12, 5-11, 205 Safety

Zach McKinley #24, 5-11, 210 Running Back

Derek Lear #5, 5-11, 190 Quarterback

Shomari Burton #70, 6-2, 300 Center

Decker Roberts #56, 6-1, 265 Nose tackle

Sean Blomquist #43, 5-11, 233 Linebacker James Dowgin #4, 6-2, 187 Safety

Rostyn Pace #74, 6-3, 275 Right guard

Dylan Murphy #71, 6-6, 300 Right tackle

Colton Schofield #8, 6-2, 245 Defensive tackle

Casey Norbeck #35, 6-0, 215 Linebacker

Sean Condon #54, 6-3, 240 Defensive End

John Jansen #44, 6-3, 250 Tight end Jordan Rueschoff #14, 6-2, 185 Kicker

Trevor Baum #1, 6-1, 200 Punter

Lavorick Williams #3, 6-2, 195 Receiver

Matt Wymore #10, 5-10, 190 Cornerback

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MSU-Northern Numerical Roster No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 30 32 34 35 36 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 50 51 53 54 56 58 59 66 68

Name Trevor Baum Josh Baum Lavorick Williams Orin Johnson Derek Lear Nick Luoma Dylan Woodhall Travis Dean Tanner Varner Garrett Jericoff Trace Brady Butch Hyder Jordan Rueschhoff Austin Walker Jake Messerly James Erickson Dylan Barney Victor Fermin Mario Gabbato Jai Johnson Zach Mckinley David Arteaga Michael McCrary Austin Schroeder Justin Fritz Hunter Chandler Jesse Morales Jake Criner Jordon Van Voast Chance Nevarez Kaimi Kanehailua Tyler Phillips John Jansen Logan Nathe Karsten Peterson Jordan Brusio Marc Evans Zach Bangert Austin Rychner Owen Debruycker Josh Jones Adolfo Robles Chase Vestre Alex Cummings Patrick Kiser

Yr. JR SR SR SR SR JR FR SO SR FR FR JR JR FR FR FR FR JR FR JR FR SR JR FR FR JR FR JR SR JR JR SR JR SR FR FR SO SO FR FR SO FR FR SR JR

*Cut and take to the game!!

Pos. Ht. DB/P 6-1 DB 6-1 WR 6-1 WR 6-0 QB 5-11 WR 6-3 WR 5-9 QB 6-0 DB 5-10 DB 5-9 DB 5-11 DB 6-0 K 6-2 QB 6-2 WR 6-1 WR 6-0 DB 6-0 DB 6-0 RB 5-8 RB 5-9 RB 5-10 LB 5-11 DB 5-9 LB 6-1 FB/LB 6-1 DB 5-9 LB 6-1 TE 6-1 LB 6-1 FB 5-11 LB 6-1 DL 6-2 TE 6-3 DE 6-1 LB 6-2 DE 6-0 DL 6-1 OL 6-2 DL 5-10 LB 5-11 LB 5-10 OL 6-2 DL 6-2 OL 6-0 OL 6-2

Wt. 195 205 195 200 190 210 175 195 200 180 185 190 185 225 185 185 170 175 175 205 205 230 170 225 215 188 190 245 210 245 235 230 245 230 205 210 245 270 235 225 220 285 215 270 295

Hometown Susanville, CA Susanville, CA Odessa, TX Cut Bank, MT Fairfield, MT Stockett, MT Stanford, MT Gilbert, AZ Baker, MT Hilmar, CA Fairfield, MT Boise, ID Gillette, WY Choteau, MT Missoula, MT Idaho Falls, ID La Habra, CA Granada Hills, CA Blaine, WA Detroit, MI Great Falls, MT La Habra, CA Las Vegas, NV Emmett, ID Power, MT Bozeman, MT La Habra, CA Kalispell, MT Havre, MT Madera, CA Ewa, HI Renton, WA Broadview, MT Helena, MT Columbia Falls, MT Billings, MT Bozeman, MT Concord, CA Ekalaka, MT Choteau, MT Chinook, MT Bakersfield, CA Helena, MT Missoula, MT A. Canyon, CA

No. 70 71 74 75 77 78 80 88 90 91 92 94 95

Name Shomari Burton Dylan Murphy Rostyn Pace Wes Ostby Pete Morales Matthew Mckeen Logan Mayernick Brandt Montelius Patrick Barnett Tyler Craig Lane Urick Weston Mudge Will Devos

Yr. JR SO SR SO FR SO SO SR FR FR FR FR JR

Pos. OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR DL DL DL DL DL

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

Wt. 305 300 280 295 285 275 170 190 245 240 295 305 260

Hometown Bremerton, WA Gleichen, Alberta Sunburst, MT Deer Park, WA La Habra, CA Oakley, CA Centerville, MT Missoula, MT Billings, MT Great Falls, MT Great Falls, MT Bakersfield, CA Vale, OR

2013 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Mark Samson, Head Coach/Offensive Line; Kyle Samson, Offensive Coordinator, QB's, Asst. Head Coach; Jake Eldridge, Defensive Coordinator, Strength and Conditioning; Scott Leeds, Wide Receivers; Kennedy Anderson, Linebackers; Darold Debolt, Defensive Line; Ron LaTray, Defensive backs; Jorge Magana, Student Asst./Offensive Line; Brandon O'Brien. Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certified Athletic Trainer: Christian Oberquell; Assistant Athletic Trainer: Nichole Borst; Sports Information: Laramie Schwenke

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MSU-Northern Rewind

SOU Raiders fly by Lights in Oregon George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The Montana State UniversityNorthern Lights were able to do what few Frontier Conference teams have done for almost two years now, slow down the Southern Oregon Raiders on offense. Problem was, the Lights could only do it for a half. The No. 18 Lights held SOU to just one touchdown in the first 30 minutes of Saturday’s game in Ashland, Ore., but the Raiders exploded for 31 points in the third quarter on their way to a 55-28 triumph. The loss was MSU-N’s second straight in the road, and it dropped the Lights to 4-3 in the Frontier ahead of this Saturday’s huge home game with Carroll College. SOU improved to 4-2 in league play, and has now won four straight games after starting the season 0-3. Northern’s top-rated defense got off to a fantastic start Saturday against the most prolific offense in all of NAIA football. The Lights held the Raiders scoreless in the first quarter, and took a 7-0 lead on Derek Lear’s short touchdown pass to Orin Johnson early in the second frame. SOU started moving the ball a bit better in the second stanza, but the Lights stood tall, allowing the Raiders just one touchdown and late first-half field goal. As good as SOU’s offense is, trailing 10-7 in Raider Stadium at halftime was a monumental win for the Northern defense. But MSU-N’s offense didn’t capitalize in the first half. The Lights punted four times and Lear was picked off while trying to answer SOU’s first score. And then, the sleeping giant awoke in the third quarter. In all, SOU scored 55 unanswered points, including 31 in the 15 minutes of the third. SOU AllAmerican quarterback Austin Dodge threw two TD passes in the first seven minutes of the third, and three in all, while the Raiders added a Sean Tow 12-yard TD run and a second field goal. By the time the third-period barrage was over, the Lights trailed 41-7, and SOU never looked back. Dodge would go on to add two more TD passes in the beginning of the fourth quarter. Northern did tack on late rushing touchdowns by Mario Gobbato and Zach McKinley, as well as Johnson’s second TD reception, a 5-yard pass from Travis Dean, but it all came much too late for Northern to mount a realistic charge. The Lights, one of the top offenses in the NAIA themselves, did total 400 yards of offense, but scoring in the first three quarters proved difficult.

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MSU-Northern Defensive Starters

Carroll College Offensive Starters CC Offensive Numbers

MSU-N Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 32 ppg,2nd in Frontier

Scoring: 26 ppg, 4th in Frontier Total defense: 333 ypg, 2nd in Frontier.

Tanner Varner #10, 5-11, 195 Cornerback

Dylan Simac #18, 6-1, 210 Receiver

Total offense: 415 ypg, 4th in Frontier Rushing: 245 ypg, 1st in Frontier

Rushing: 103 ypg, 1st in the Frontier

Levi Coughlin #67, 6-6, 302 Offensive line

Jared Mayernik #3, 5-11, 188 Receiver Tyler Craig #91, 6-1, 240 Defensive end David Arteaga

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton Montana State University-Northern quarterback Travis Dean, right, threw a TD pass in last Saturday's game at Southern Oregon. Northern ran the ball 50 times, but picked up just 179 on the ground, while four turnovers proved costly. McKinley led the ground effort with 56 yards, while Lear carried for 33 and Gobatto added 34. Lear finished his day just 9-of-21 for 91 yards and two picks. Dean came on in relief to throw for 123 yards, but he, too, was interecpeted once. Dylan Woodhall caught three balls for 69 yards and Brandt Montelius had three for 50 yards. Meanwhile, SOU continued its torrid offensive pace in spite of Northern bringing in the top-rated defense in the conference. The Raiders amassed 500 yards on offense with Dodge throwing 469 yards on 23 completions and five TD’s. Ryan Retzlaff had eight catches for 168 yards and Dylan Young added another eight grabs for 160. Huntler Chandler paced the MSU-N defense with 12 tackles, while Kaimi Kanhelauia had eight, and Tanner Varner interecepted Dodge for what was only the fifth time all season. Northern will now look to regroup, and will need to win out in order to have any chance at the Frontier title and an NAIA playoff berth. The Lights do have all their of their remaining games at home, starting with Saturday’s rematch with Carroll College. The Lights and Saints kick off at 1 p.m. Saturday at Blue Pony Stadium. SOU 55, Lights 28 MSU-Northern 0 7 0 21 28 Southern Oregon 0 10 31 14 55 MSU-N—Orin Johnson 8 pass from Derek Lear (Jor Rueschhoff Kick) SOU—Melvin Mason 5 Run (Aldrick Rosas kick) SOU—FG Rosas 28

SOU—Dylan Young 29 pass from Austin Dodge (Rosas kick) SOU—Ryan Retzlaff 32 Pass From Dodge (Rosas Kick) SOU—Seaon Tow 12 Run (Rosas Kick) SOU—Retzlaff 32 Pass From Dodge (Rosas Kick) SOU—FG Rosas 45 SOU—Dylan Young 48 pass from Dodge (Rosas kick) SOU—Sean Mcshane 31 Pass From Dodge (Rosas Kick) MSU-N—Mario Gabbato 3 run (Rueschhoff Kick) MSU-N—Zach McKinley 1 run (Rueschhoff Kick) MSU-N—Johnson 5 Pass From Travis Dean (Rueschhoff Kick) First downs Total Net Yards Rushes-Yards Passing Comp-Att-Int Punts-Average Fumbles-Lost Penalties-Yards

MSU-N 24 401 50-179 222 15-35-3 6-36 1-1 6-51

SOU 26 568 28-99 469 28-47-1 3-43 1-0 12-115

#21, 5-11, 225 Linebacker Josh Baum #2, 6-1, 205 Free Safety

Logan Nathe #45, 6-1, 230 Defensive tackle KamiKanehailua #42, 6-1, 235 Linebacker

Hunter Chandler #34, 5-9, 188 Strong Safety

Weston Mudge #94, 6-1, 310 Nose tackle Jordan Van Voast

#40, 6-1, 220 Linebacker

Tyler Phillips #43, 6-2, 230 Defensive end

Individual Statistics RUSHING—Northern, Trevor Baum 1-(-7), Orin Johnson 4-14, Derek Lear 12-33, Dylan Woodhall 1-11, Travis Dean 2-28, Jor Rueschhoff 1-6, Jake Messerly 1-(-5), Mario Gabbato 9-34, Jai Johnson 3-9, Zach McKinley 16-56; S. Oregon, Austin Dodge 3-(-9), Chris Kammel 5-9, Matt Retzlaff 3-(-1), Seaon Town 3-41, Melvin Mason 9-60, Chase Lawrence 1-1, Zach Marshall 3-0, Dylan Carlson 1-(-1)

Alex Castens #52, 6-2, 276 Offensive line

Dakota Stonehouse #14, 6-1, 208 Quarterback

Dustin Rinker

#28 , 5-10, 205 Running back

Tyson Cooper #64, 6-4, 295 Offensive line

Josh James #77, 6-6, 295 Offensive line

In over fourteen years as head coach at Carroll College, Mike Van Diest has led the Fighting Saints to six National Championships and twelve straight Frontier Conference Championship titles for one of the most dominating runs in college football history. The Saints have posted a 164-26 record during the past fourteen seasons.

Cole Coba #85, 6-3, 240 Tight end

PASSING—Northern, Derek Lear 8-21-2—91, Travis Dean 6-13-1—123. S. Oregon, Austin Dodge 28-451—469, Chris Kammel 0-2-0—0. RECEIVING—Northern, Orin Johnson 4-36, Dylan Woodhall 3-69, Jake Messerly 1-30, Mario Gabbato 1-8, Jai Johnson 1-6, John Jansen 2-23, Brandt Montelius 3-50. S. Oregon, Matt Retzlaff 1-21, Dylan Young 8-160, Ryan Retzlaff 8-168, Seaon Tow 1-20, Sean McShane 2-43, Melvin Mason 3-20, Zach Marshall 1-13, Blakelyn Birks 4-24.

Mike Van Diest Carroll Head Coach

Ryan Armstrong #73, 6-4, 295 Offensive line

Connor Smith

Trevor Baum #1, 6-1, 200 Corner

Anthony Clarke #1, 5-11, 195 Receiver

#21, 5-11, 175 Kicker

Ryhs Felton

#13, 6-2, 190 Punter

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OJ: Senior receiver is as versatile a player as the Lights have had

OJ: Johnson has always made an impact, in Havre and Cut Bank

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has racked up more than 30 catches in each of his four years as a Light. As a freshman, he caught 30 balls for 355 yards and five scores while playing alongside another former Cut Bank great, Matt Stuart. And it was during that freshman season where Johnson created what was his most memorable touchdown to date, and with that catch, he realized he could be a great player at the Frontier Conference level for years to come. “We weren’t having a great season, but we played a wild game against Western in Havre and it went into overtime,” Johnson said. “And I was able to catch the game-winning touchdown. I’ve had a lot of memorable moments in my Northern career, but that one stands out because it really showed me that I could play at this level. It showed me that the team and the coaches trusted me to make plays. So that was a big one for me.” Actually, the team and the coaches have always trusted Johnson to make plays, and did so upon his arrival from Cut Bank. Originally, Johnson wasn’t slated to red-shirt. Instead, the coaches saw the great potential in the 6-0, 200-pound speedster, who was a Class B All-State quarterback, a great basketball player, and an outstanding center fielder for the TriCounty Cardinals back in the day. However, Johnson did red-shirt in 2009, then hit the ground running the next year. And, due to his superior athleticism, Northern put the ball in his hands early and often. For the last four years, Johnson has played multiple receiver spots, has run the ball as a wildcat QB, has carried the ball out of the backfield and has returned punts and kickoffs. And there’s no question, if needed, he could play defense too. In his sophomore season, he led the Lights with 51 grabs for 457 yards and seven scores. In his junior campaign, he totaled 44 catches for 544 yards and two scores, and all three of those years, he was never the No. 1 receiver in the offense. Those numbers just go to show how reliable, athletic and valuable Johnson truly is. To put it another way, he’s one of

those players that can do it all, and don’t come around very often. “He (Johnson) has never been a flashy player and really never gained the recognition that I think he has deserved,” MSU-N offensive coordinator Kyle Samson said. “But he has been a four-year starter for us and, I always knew as a play caller that we could count on him to make the play, especially in critical situations. He doesn’t care at all about stats or individual awards, he’s a true team-first player and all he cares about is winning. “My goal has always been to make in impact wherever I can,” Johnson said. “It’s been really cool knowing that they (coaches) trust me with the ball, and have always gotten me involved in this offense. I’ve never

cared where they put me, I just make the most out of those opportunities and try to make plays for this team. Until this year, I’ve never really been the main guy at receiver, and while it’s nice to catch the 50-yard touchdown pass, I’ve always looked at it as, I’ll do whatever it takes to help this offense, to help this team win games. That’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do.” And while Johnson has helped the Northern offense a lot in his years, he is the main receiver this season. With three games left , he’s already got 42 grabs for a career-high 552 yards. He’s scored five touchdowns, and he averages 80 yards per game and an outstanding 13 yards per catch. Once

■ See OJ Page 7

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton Montana State University-Northern senior Orin Johnson scores a touchdown during a Frontier Conference football game against the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers last month at Blue Pony Stadium. Johnson came to Northern five years ago from Cut Bank High School, and he's averaged 39 catches and 480 yards receiving in each of his first three seasons. Johnson has also been a versatile player for the Lights, playing wildcat quarterback, running back and returning kicks and punts during what has become a brilliant career in Havre.

again, Johnson is proving to be as reliable as they come, and it’s no coincidence that the Lights are having the best season of his career as a result. “I’ve been able to learn from the best,” Johnson said. “I have played with a lot of great receivers in my career, guys who were the main target out there. I learned a lot from guys like Matt Stuart and Kyle Johnston, and this year, it’s my turn to be in that role. So I’ve just kind of picked up where they left off, and it’s worked out well so far. “It’s great to play in this offense,” he continued. “Derek (Lear) and I have a great connection that we developed a long time ago. It is pretty rare to play with same quarterback for four years, and we have developed a pretty deadly connection. It just seems like we’re always on the same page. So that’s another big part of the reason this season has gone so well for me.” And Johnson’s senior season has gone well. But as a whole, his career can’t be underestimated. The impact Johnson’s athletic ability has had on MSU-N’s spread offense can’t really be measured in just statistics. For

four years, Johnson has made plays for the Lights, and he’s touched the ball well over 300 times in nearly 40 games. He’s been a team leader, and he’s been one of those rare studentathletes that you can just look at and know he represents his team, his school, the community and himself the right way. Johnson’s impact at Northern will be felt for years to come. His impact is unmeasurable, and in essence, that’s all he’s ever wanted to do. Ever since he came to Northern from the proud tradition of Cut Bank football, all he’s ever wanted to do is make an impact. “OJ (Johnson), in my mind is one of the best all -round players that has ever played in this program. He is one of my favorite players that I have ever coached because of his competitiveness and overall love for the game,” Samson said. “He is one of the most competitive people that I have been around and it shows with how he competes each Saturday. He always brings a lot of character and laughter to the offensive room and always has a good joke or two that puts a smile on your face. “He will always have a special place

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton Montana State University-Northern senior Orin Johnson, left, races down field during a Frontier Conference football game last month in Helena. As Johnson prepares to face the Saints for the final time Saturday in Havre, he's also looking back on a career which has spanned four seasons, nearly 40 games and over 300 times with the ball in his hands one way or another. Johnson is a four-year starter, and is a team captain, and it's no coincidence, the Lights are having their best season in Johnson's career in what is his final season in a Lights' uniform.

in my heart with what he has done on and off the field, and especially the way he has treated my family and my son Troy,” he continued. “He is a hero to my son Troy and Troy loves to come watch OJ at practice during the week and on game days. He’s going to be a tough one to try and replace this offseason and I know I will miss the heck out of him after this season. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Johnson said. “It’s been an honor to play in this program. I’ve been lucky. I’m lucky to have had great coaches and influences in high school and up here. I’ve been lucky to have played with so many really good players. I’m lucky that I’ve been on the field as much as I have and have made as many plays I have. My goal, from the day I got here was to make an impact somewhere. That’s all I wanted to do, wither it was on special teams, or catching passes or running the ball, wherever they wanted me to be, I just wanted to make an impact and help the team. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.” OJ, you’ve accomplished that goal and then some. The impact you’ve made at Northern will be ever-lasting. Mission accomplished.