MSU-N Game Day 9-26-2016

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Notebook: Rocky, EOU now emerging as title contenders n From Page 11

defense, but, an offense that hasn’t fully gotten on track yet behind new senior quarterback J.T. Linder. Carroll comes into Saturday’s tilt in Havre averaging just 21 points per game, and scoring was something the Saints struggled with a year ago.

Still, despite the loss to Rocky, and an offense that is still finding its way, Northern head coach Aaron Christensen isn’t expecting anything less than Carroll’s best.

“Carroll will always be Carroll,” Christensen said. “They are extremely wellcoached, they are fundamentally sound, and they will be very physical. They make you have to play mistake-free football, and if you don’t they really wear you down.”

Don’t count them out Southern Oregon might be a shocking 0-2 to start the season, but, the Raiders didn’t

look like a Frontier Conference cellar dweller last Saturday night in Davis, California.

SOU’s offense game Big Sky Conference member UC Davis all it could handle last Saturday, ringing up 35 points and over 600 yards of total offense. Quarterback Tanner Trosin threw for 428 yards, and if the SOU defense wasn’t so overmatched, the Raiders easily could have made the Aggies sweat the game out even more.

And while the season-opening loss to arch rival EOU is the one that really stings for the Raiders, offensively, the rest of the Frontier needs to watch out. Trosin has already thrown for nearly 800 yards this season, and wide receiver Matt Retzlaff is putting up video-game like numbers. Rey Vega also is looking good at running back, and if SOU’s young defense can find its way, it won’t take very many weeks for them to climb right back into the heart of the Fron-

tier title chase.

So, a fair warning to the rest of the Frontier – don’t be too quick to count the Raiders out.

Frontier Honors Southern Oregon wide receiver Zach Davis has been named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week. In SOU’s loss at UC Davis, he caught four passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Also nominated; Beau Brekke of Montana Western, Calvin Connors of Eastern Oregon, Tyler Cox of College of Idaho, Kyle Griffith of Carroll College, Zach McKinley of MSU-Northern, Quinn McQueary of Montana Tech and Jayce Van Zee of Rocky Mountain College.

Montana Tech safety Gunnar Kayser has been named the Defensive Player of the Week. In Tech’s 35-10 win over North-

ern, Kayser recorded seven solo tackles, four assisted tackles, two tackles for loss (-6), two pass break-ups and one interception returned 35-yards for a touchdown.

Also nominated; Patrick Barnett of MSUNorthern, T.J. Benson of Montana Western, Vince DiGiallonardo of Carroll College, Justin Hughes of Eastern Oregon, Carlos Murana of College of Idaho and Seth Swandal of Rocky Mountain.

Rocky Mountain College’s Keenan Fagan was named Special Team’s Player of the Week. In RMC’s win over Carroll, Fagan blocked a punt that led to the game-winning touchdown. He also had four tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Also nominated; Nathan Harden of Eastern Oregon, Derrick Holt of Montana Tech, Tommy Langley of MSU-Northern, Kyle Mitchell of College of Idaho and Dylan Torgerson of Carroll College.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern running back Zach McKinley, left, tries to get away from the Rocky Mountain College defense during a Frontier Conference game last month in Havre. While the Lights return home to host Carroll College this Saturday, the Battlin' Bears are becoming a team to be reckoned with in the Frontier.

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Leaving opponents Bruised Jordan Brusio has been a beast on the field for the Lights. He's also been committed to his team and his school the whole way George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com No matter the circumstance, no matter the adversity, sometimes, things are perfect right where you are. And for the last five years, that’s been the case for Montana State University-Northern senior defensive end Jordan Brusio.

No matter what’s gone on around him, no matter who else is on the field, or on the sidelines, Brusio has always felt playing football, and going to school at Northern,

was perfect for him.

And, as it’s turned out, Brusio, a former West High standout in Billings, has been pretty darn perfect for the Lights too.

“I love football, and I love playing football at Northern, and I love the Havre community,” Brusio said before his last-ever time playing the vaunted Carroll College Fighting Saints in Blue Pony Stadium. “There’s been a lot of adversity in my time here. And it hasn’t always been easy. But, football has been such a big part of my life, for so long now, and a big part of that is football at Northern. And I’ve really loved it. It’s crazy how fast it’s gone by.”

It might seem like time has flown by for Brusio because he’s been playing meaningful snaps for the Lights for the last four years. Then head-coach Mark Samson went with a young defensive line during Brusio’s red-shirt freshman season, thrusting himself, and teammates Tyler Craig and Patrick Barnett into starting roles when they were all very young.

In so many ways, Brusio said that play-

ing, and eventually starting for the Lights at such a young age did so much for him, on the field and off of it too.

“The biggest thing for me now is I see the game so much better,” he said. “It’s really slowed down for me, and a big reason for that is because I did get to play so young. I have been able to be out there for a lot of big games through my career, and you just end up learning so much that way. There’s only one way to learn, and that’s through experience, and I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of game experience during my career.”

That experience has led Brusio to really rise over the last two seasons, as well as form some bonds with his fellow defensive

n

Jim Potter Montana State University-Northern senior defensive end Jordan Brusio has quietly put up big numbers in his five years as a Light. In particular, Brusio has been adept at sacking the quarterback for the Lights' defense.

MSU-Northern Lights vs Carroll College Location: Havre, Mont.

Nickname: Lights Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2016 record: 0-2 (0-2)

2015 record: 0-11 (0-10) Head coach: Aaron Christensen Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium Streak: The Lights last win against Carroll came on Oct. 30, 2006 at Blue Pony Stadium.

Saturday, September 17, 2016 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 1 p.m.

Carroll College Location: Helena, Mont.

2015 record: 4-7 (4-7) Head coach: Mike Van Diest Stadium: Nelson Stadium

September 17, 2016

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Six Frontier teams now ranked George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Shockers are becoming the norm it seems in the Frontier Conference. Three weeks into the 2016 season, and there’s just one unbeaten team left, and it’s not league favorites Southern Oregon, Carroll College or Montana Tech.

No, it’s Eastern Oregon that is the only team left in the Frontier that has a chance to run the table after the Mounties have beaten SOU and UM-Western to start the season.

For a brief moment, the team most likely to run the table looked to be the Fighting Saints. After an abysmal 2015 campaign, Carroll opened the season with a lastsecond win over Montana Tech on Sept. 3. But, what goes around comes around, and this past Saturday, Carroll couldn’t pull off a last-

See Brusio Page 6

Montana State University-Northern

11

second miracle again, in a 21-20 loss at Rocky Mountain College.

So, three weeks in and it’s Eastern Oregon at the top of the heap. The Mounties have been impressive for sure, as they raced past upstart UM-Western 35-23 last Saturday, knocking the Bulldogs from the unbeaten's.

Rocky too has been impressive, with its lone loss coming at the hands of NCAA Divison I Northern Colorado two weeks ago. So, that now begs the question: Are the Mounties and Battlin’ Bears the teams to beat in the Frontier?

Obviously, it’s too early to tell, but one thing is for certain, with a record six Frontier teams ranked in the NAIA Coaches Poll this week, the parity in the conference

2016 record: 1-1 (1-1)

Streak: Carroll has won eight straight games against the Lights inside Blue Pony Stadium.

Same song, different verse

Last Saturday, the Montana State University-Northern Lights walked into a buzzsaw for Montana Tech’s home-opener in Butte. Tech, a popular pick to make a run at an NAIA national championship this season, had just lost on a last-second field goal to Carroll on Sept. 3, and was certainly hungry against the Lights.

And though Northern hung tough in Alumni Coliseum, Tech’s desire to not start 0-2 showed, as the Diggers’ scored 14 quick points to start the game, and closed with 21 unanswered points in the second

Today in the Frontier Conference No. 21 Carroll College Fighting Saints (1-1, 1-1)

At Montana State University-Northern Lights (0-2, 0-2) No. 25 Rocky Mountain College (2-0, 2-1) at No. 13 Montana Tech (1-1, 1-1) in Butte, Mont.

Nickname: Fighting Saints Colors: Purple and Gold

might be at an all-time high.

No. 22 UM-Western (1-1, 2-1) at No. 12 Southern Oregon (0-2, 0-2) in Ashland, Oregon

College of Idaho (1-1, 1-1) at No. 10 Eastern Oregon (2-0, 2-0) in LaGrande, Oregon

2016 Frontier Conference Coaches Preseason Poll 1. Southern Oregon 2. Montana Tech 3. Carroll College 4. Eastern Oregon 5. College of Idaho 6. UM-Western 7. Rocky Mountain College 8.MSU-Northern

half.

Now, Northern comes back to Blue Pony Stadium, but, the Lights, who have played very well in stretches the first two games, have to face an angry Carroll squad coming off a disheartening loss at RMC last Saturday.

Northern hasn’t beaten Carroll since the famous 2006 contest

Havre Daily News Week Three Frontier Power Rankings 1. Eastern Oregon 2. Southern Oregon 3. Montana Tech 4. Rocky Mountain 5. Carroll College 6. UM-Western 7. College of Idaho 8. MSU-Northern

in Havre when the Lights knocked off then No. 1 Carroll 10-7, in what many consider the biggest win in MSU-N history. And now, MSU-N will try and end that long losing streak against a Carroll team that’s wounded after losing at Rocky, and, one that has a stingy

n

See Notebook Page 12

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MSU-Northern Rewind

The day the Lights seized glory 10 years ago, Northern stunned mighty Carroll College at Blue Pony Stadium

From the Fringe...

George Ferguson Sports Editor

For many Saturdays, spanning several decades now, when the Carroll College Fighting Saints would come marching in to your stadium, it would literally strike fear into opposing teams and their fans.

It didn’t matter if it was arch rival Montana Tech or whoever was the supposed upstart of the Frontier Conference that season, when Carroll came marching in, often times, that team was beat before the game kicked off.

Since football returned to Montana State University-Northern in the 1990’s the Lights were definitely not immune to Carroll’s prowess. The Saints put some savage beatings on Northern’s program over the years at Blue Pony Stadium.

But, there was one day, one dark, but warm October day, one very special day where Northern, and it’s fans were not afraid.

And come October, that day will be 10 years ago.

That day, in late October of 2006, the Saints still had their vaunted aura about them. They were the defending national champions, they were ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, and, they were riding a multi-year winning streak, one that had stretched to over 30 games.

And still, for one day, Northern and its fans weren’t scared. They didn’t see Carroll as the invincible force, a reputation that was well-earned. Instead, the Lights, and their fans saw it as an opportunity.

Of course, that day turned from an opportunity, or a possibility into simply the biggest win in Northern program history.

Thanks to the Lights’ nationallyranked defense, a defense that was physical and stingy and hard-hitting, a long touchdown pass by senior quarterback Kyle Samson, and one huge field goal, Northern stunned not only the Saints, not only the Frontier, but all of the NAIA football world.

In fact, the only ones who weren’t stunned when the scoreboard read 10-7 in favor of the Lights that overcast day at Blue Pony Stadium were the Lights themselves – and for the

Frontier Conference Standings

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

Conf.

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

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

Saturday, Sept. 10 Montana Tech 35, MSU-Northern 10 Eastern Oregon 35, UM-Western 23 Rocky Mountain 21, Carroll College 20 UC Davis 52, Southern Oregon 35 College of Idaho 42, Willamette 14 Saturday MSU-Northern vs Carroll College UM-Western at Southern Oregon College of Idaho at Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain at Montana Tech

Havre Daily News/File Photo Kyle Samson throws a pass during Northern's historic win over Carroll College back in October of 2006. The program is now embarking on the 10-year anniversary of its most historic game.

most part – their fans too.

No, I wrote many stories leading up to that historic game, did many interviews with head Mark Samson, his QB son Kyle, veterans like Dylan Saisbury and Kennedy Anderson and many others, and while no one was prognosticating, it was easy to tell, those Lights knew they could win that game. It wasn’t hard to figure out they believed they were going to win.

Again, in that season, with that great team, which had gone to Helena earlier in the year and given Carroll all it wanted inside famed Nelson Stadium, the fear of playing the Saints was gone. There was no fear in the days and minutes leading up to that game, only excitement and a quiet confidence.

And obviously, Northern fans felt it too. It was a record-setting crowd that day at Blue Pony Stadium, and while Northern and Carroll had some good battles the year before, I doubt folks would have shown up for that game as early as they did, and in the numbers that they did had they not thought the Lights had a great chance of being the team to finally slay the Carroll dragon.

Yes, that was a day anyone who’s ever been associated with Northern football will ever forget. We all re-

member it well. There wasn’t a bigger win before, and there hasn’t been a bigger win since the Lights beat the Saints that October afternoon.

That was 10 years ago now, and a lot has changed, or, in some ways, stayed the same. Carroll won more national championships and reeled off more long winning streaks in the years following the loss to Northern.

While the Lights, they had success too, but have also found hard times in recent years, similar hard times to when they were building the program from the ground up, and a day like that day seemed impossible.

But, that day also changed the Frontier Conference, and it changed Northern forever. It showed that Carroll could be beat. It showed that No. 1 could go down once in a while.

And for Northern, well, it gave the Lights’ program a legitimacy it had been searching for, for a long time.

It also gave the program a moment in time, one that most football programs have in their historic annals.

Before that day in October of 2006, the Lights didn’t really have one of those. But, on that magical day, 10 years ago, they got it. Again, they weren’t scared, instead, they seized an opportunity, and that day, still to this day, is the single greatest day in Northern football history.

NAIA Coaches Poll

13. Montana Tech 1-1 14. Dakota Wesleyan 3-1 15. Benedictine (Kan.) 2-1 16. Missouri Valley 3-0 17. Tabor (Kan.) 0-1 18. Georgetown (Ky.) 1-1 18. MidAmerica Naz. 3-0 20. Concordia (Neb.) 2-0 21. Carroll (Mont.) 1-1 22. Montana Western 2-1 22. Dickinson State 2-1 24. Faulkner (Ala.) 1-1 25. Rocky Mountain 2-1

Rec. Pts Prv.

1. Marian (Ind.) (15) 2-0 2. Morningside (Iowa) 1-0 3. Saint Francis (Ind.) 3-0 4. Baker (Kan.) 3-0 5. Doane (Neb.) 2-0 5. Reinhardt (Ga.) 3-0 7. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)3-0 8. Grand View (Iowa) 2-1 9. Saint Xavier (Ill.) 2-1 10. Eastern Oregon 2-0 10. Kansas Wesleyan 3-0 12. Southern Oregon 0-2

340 325 314 303 273 273 254 245 220 209 209 206

1 3 4 5 9 11 12 6 10 NR 13 2

181 139 127 125 120 102 102 77 66 61 61 50 38

7 16 15 NR 8 18 NR NR 22 25 21 19 NR

Others receiving votes: : Peru State (Neb.) 37; Southeastern (Fla.) 33; St. Francis (Ill.) 16; Sterling (Kan.) 14; Langston (Okla.) 10; Arizona Christian 6; Dakota State (S.D.) 4.

Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Week Three

Passing: Tanner Trosin, SOU, 393 ypg Receiving: Calvin Connors, EOU, 123 Receptions: Matt Retzlaff, SOU, 9 cpg Rushing: Zach McKinley, MSU-N, 93 ypg Tackles: Michael Arenas, EOU, 23 Sacks: A. Basterrechea, CC 2.5 sacks INT's: Jay Owens, UM-W, 3 ints

Lights Coaching Staff

Jim Potter The 2015 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff. Back row, left to right: Cody O'Neil, offensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs, Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers and Darold DeBolt, defensive line. Front row, left to right, Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Arthur Smith, linebackers; and Jorge Magana, linebackers.

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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters

Carroll College Defensive Starters

MSU-N 2016 Offensive Numbers

CC 2016 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 16 ppg, last in Frontier Total offense: 261 ypg, last in Frontier

Mario Gobbatto #22, 5-8, 185 Receiver

Ryan Gregory #2, 6-0, 180 Cornerback

Rush offense: 81 ypg, last in Frontier

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MSU-Northern Defensive Starters

CC 2016 Offensive Numbers

MSU-N 2016 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 25.5 ppg, 4th in Frontier

Scoring: 33 ppg, 7th in Frontier

Total defense: 382 ypg, 6th in Frontier

Total defense: 335 ypg, 3rd in Frontier

Rush defense: 118.5 ypg, 5th in Frontier

Pass defense: 86 ypg, 2nd in Frontier

Scoring: 24 ppg, 7th in Frontier

Aaron Christensen enters his second 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

Jess Krahn #11, 6-3, 220 Quarterback

Casey Cleveland #76, 6-1, 265 Center

A;ec Basterreachea #91, 6-2, 245 Defensive line

Tyler Craig #91, 6-2, 245 Defensive end Reece Quade #44, 6-3, 230 Linebacker

Baeugh Meyer #32, 6-2, 275 Nose tackle

Pete Morales #77, 6-3, 295 Offensive line

Elijah Cox #51, 6-5, 320 Offensive line

Kyle Smith #94, 6-3, 290 Defensive line

Tommy Langley #27, 5-11, 190 Kicker

Mike Cocke #17, 6-0, 200 Receiver

Logan Sprouse #31, 5-11, 170 Safety

David Anderson #49, 6-0, 220 Linebacker

Ty Irving #30, 6-0, 295 Linebacker

Lane Urick #92, 6-1, 285 Defensive tackle

Rushing: 94 ypg, 6th in Frontier

Mike Van Diest Carroll Head Coach

Brandon Vedder #70, 6-3, 290 Offensive line

Joel Kramer #61, 6-0, 280 Offensive line

Alec Wagner

J.T. Linder #17, 6-2, 217 Quarterback

Ryan Walsh #26, 6-1, 195 Running back

#52, 5-11, 210 Linebacker

Garrett Jericoff #1, 5-9, 165 Safety

Patrick Barnett #90, 6-2, 265 Defensive tackle

Tyson Budler #58. 6-3, 295 Offensive line

David N'Guessa #8, 6-0, 190 Linebacker

Jordan Brusio #47, 5-11, 240 Defensive end David Barnett #90, 6-3, 255 Defensive line

Willy Clements #68, 6-3, 285 Offensive line

Troy Arnston

#14, 5-8, 170 Receiver

Eric Dawson #48, 6-1, 240 Tight end

Kagen Khameneh #15, 6-3, 225 Tight end Dillon Barnes #89, 6-0, 160 Punter

GaretFowler #12, 5-10, 205 Linebacker

McBride Galt #18, 6-2, 205 Safety

Bowe McKay #5, 6-3, 225 Fullback

Total offense: 366 ypg, 5th in Frontier

Chris Emter #76, 6-4, 302 Offensive line

Tucker Johnson #34, 6-1, 200 Safety

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

Connor Fohn #1, 6-1, 195 Receiver

Sherman Arthur #6, 6-1, 170 Cornerback

Clint Willis #75, 6-6, 280 Offensive line

Aaron Christensen MSU-N Head Coach

Carroll College Offensive Starters

In over 17 years as head coach at Carroll College, Mike Van Diest has led the Fighting Saints to six National Championships, 14 Frontier Conference Championships (including twelve straight titles from 20002011) for one of the most dominating runs in college football history. The Saints have posted a 190-36 record during the past sixteen seasons and a Frontier Conference mark of 134-17.

Van Diest is also of 39-8 in the playoffs.

Corey Lee #3, 5-10, 175 Corner Vince DiGiallonardo #9, 6-0, 190 Cornerback

Kyle Griffith #25, 5-11, 185 Receiver

Colter Hamel

#83, 6-1, 190 Kicker

Dylan Torgerson

#13, 6-2, 195 Punter

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MSU-Northern Numerical Roster

Carroll College Numerical Roster # Name 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 71 72

Connor Fohn Ryan Gregory Chandler Arbizzani Isazah King Joe Farris Dylan Green Gus Chancy Jake Konen Brian FauntLeRoy Conner Poulson Vince DiGiallonardo Kolby Killoy Tony Madsen Tanner Gustavsen Dylan Torgerson Troy Arnston Matt McHugh Garrett Davis Alex Hoffman JT Linder McBride Galt Sean Pittman Parker Bernhardt Henry Hill Drew Melton Cameron Nelson Thomas Treffney Kyle Griffith Ryan Walsh Chris Schramm Major Ali Cole Adams Kyle Harrington Ty Irving Chase Bowen Beaugh Meyer Tyler Matteucci Tucker Johnson Jake Oliver Cole Greff Michael Wilson Craig Kein Payton Sexe Quinn Happold Dylan Kresge Isaiah Cech Reece Quade Sam Johnson Luke Gleasman Austin Moore Nick Jenness Eric Dawson David Anderson Colton Welhaven David Petersen Peyton Guenther Ryan McCauley Michael Monaco Isaiah Lilley Tyson Budler Darby George Jacob Babcock Joel Kramer Ethan Smith Drew VanderZanden Austin Yager Tim Pays Todd Pays Willy Clements Justin Marsh Brandon Vedder John Boynton Drew Petit

Yr.

Pos. Ht.

FR WR FR DB FR DB FR CB FR WR FR RB FR DB FR LB FR DB FR TE FR DB FR QB FR DB FR QB FR FR WR FR QB FR QB FR QB FR QB FR DB FR DB FR DB FR RB FR DB FR WR FR RB FR WR FR RB FR FR RB FR DB FR RB FR LB FR LB FR DL FR FR DB FR LB FR DE FR LB FR LB FR DL FR LB FR LB FR LB FR LB FR FR TE FR LB FR DB FR TE FR LB FR LB FR DL FR DT FR DL FR DL FR DE FR OL FR DE FR OL FR OL FR DL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR DL

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

Wt. 195 185 190 190 190 215 185 230 195 240 190 190 195 195 195 170 210 180 200 217 205 175 195 190 188 190 215 185 192 160 195 170 190 195 205 275 205 200 225 255 228 220 205 215 250 225 230 225 225 228 204 240 220 217 230 285 255 240 240 295 255 290 280 240 265 310 300 290 285 270 290 275 265

Hometown

Salem, Ore. Spokane Valley, Wash Billings, Mont.

Hidden Valley, Calif.

Meridian, Idaho Riverside, Wash.

Helena, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

Whitefish, Mont.

Boise, Idaho Polson, Mont.

Pasco, Wash.

Missoula, Mont.

Boise, Idaho Kalispell, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Heber City, Utah Draper, Utah Dillon, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Etna, Wyoming Billings, Mont.

Glenwood Springs, Colo.

Lewiston, Idaho Redmond, Wash.

Kalispell, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

Wilsonville, Ore. Hillsboro, Ore. Gig Harbor, Wash.

Glenwood Springs, Colo.

Butte, Mont.

Spokane, Wash.

Emmett, Idaho Boise, Idaho East Helena, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Issaquah, Wash.

Golden, Colo.

Grangeville, Idaho Burlington, Ill. Great Falls, Mont.

Cheyenne, Wyo. Helena, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Sandpoint, Idaho Chelan, Wash.

Yuma, Ariz.

Davis, Calif.

Great Falls, Mont.

Frenchtown, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Bozeman, Mont.

Herriman, Utah Anaconda, Mont.

Spokane, Wash.

Chadron, Neb. Cottonwood Heights, Utah Columbia Falls, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Eugene, Ore. Hillsboro, Ore. Provo, Utah Sandpoint, Idaho Sandpoint, Idaho Nederland, Colo Plentywood, Mont.

Lake Havasu, Ariz.

Richland, Wash Commerce City, Colo.

# Name 73 74 75 76 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

Colton Bustillos Jordan Minnix Micah Holt-Seavy Chris Emter Grady Holt-Seavy Sam Stratton Shane Sipes Addison Vergara Colter Hamel Walker Ray Connor McGree Jordan Jernigan Paul Hart Chase Fossum Patrick Kosena David Barnett Alec Basterrechea Alex Reid Elliott McGill Kyle Smith Alex Hurlbut Jackson Griffin

Yr.

Pos. Ht.

FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR TE FR WR FR WR FR K FR TE FR TE FR WR FR WR FR WR FR WR FR DL FR DE FR DL FR DT FR DT FR DL FR

6-2 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-3 5-9 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3

Wt. 275 280 240 302 303 240 175 210 190 235 245 160 185 198 190 255 244 255 260 290 230 195

Hometown

Torrington, Wyo. Issaquah, Wash.

Billings, Mont.

Livingston, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Spokane, Wash.

Newbury Park, Calif.

Greeley, Colo.

Green River, Wyoming Nampa, Idaho Butte, Mont.

Great Falls, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Glasgow, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Hermiston, Ore. Gooding, Idaho Spokane, Wash.

Bellevue, Wash.

Casper, Wyo. Ventura, Calif Powell, Wyo.

www.havredailynews.com

No.

Name

Pos. Ht.

Wt.

Yr. Hometown

No.

Name

Pos. Ht.

Wt.

Yr. Hometown

1

Garrett

Jericoff

DB

5'9

195

SR

54

Josh

DL

6'2

230

RFR Sammamish, WA

2

Jett

Robertston

RB

6'0

200

SO Glendale, AZ

55

Mitchell Harmon

DL

6'1

245

JR

3

Corey

Lee

DB

5'10

175

JR

56

Trenton

Woodward OL

6'5

240

RFR Three Forks, MT

5

Bowe

McKay

TE

6'3

225

SO Chehalis, WA

58

Adolfo

Robles

OL

6'2

270

SR

Bakersfield, CA

6

Sherman Arthur

DB

6'1

170

SO Watts, CA

59

Isaac

Joseph

DL

6'3

270

FR

Chandler, AZ

7

Jesse

LB

6'0

210

SR

8

"David" N'Guessa

LB

6'0

190

RFR Kent, WA

65

Dale

Cummings

OL

6'4

300

RFR Cremona, AB, CAN

9

Sam

WR

6'1

190

SO Sammamish, WA

68

Ryan

Handley

OL

6'3

230

RFR Clinton, MT

10

Donovan Garner

WR

5'8

175

JR

Miami, FL

68

Jay

Hembree

OL

6'1

260

FR

11

Jess

Krahn

QB

6'3

220

JR

Hokinson, WA

69

Brennan Lewis

OL

6'2

310

SO Fallon, NV

12

Garet

Fowler

LB

5'10

205

JR

Belgrade, MT

70

Robert

Johnson

OL

6'1

250

SO Stevensville, MT

13

Dylan

Rychtarik

WR

5'8

70

RFR Tacoma, WA

71

Linnwood Kirkland

DL

6'0

260

SR

Jacksonville, FL

14

Caleb

McLaren

QB

6'0

190

JR

Delta Junction, AK

72

Diamond Pedro

OL

6'3

310

SR

Tacoma, WA

15

Kagen

Khameneh

TE

6'3

225

JR

Missoula, MT

74

Dylan

Schmidt

OL

6'4

275

RFR Nine Mile Falls, MT

16

Holden

Maki

QB

5'9

170

SO Belt, MT

75

Clint

Willis

OL

6'6

280

SO Gardiner, MT

17

Mike

Cocke

WR

6'2

200

RFR Tacoma, WA

76

Casey

Cleveland

OL

6'1

265

RFR Great Falls, MT

19

Ethan

Snow

WR

6'1

200

FR

Hermiston, OR

77

Pete

Morales

OL

6'3

295

SR

20

Bryce

Bumgardner WR

6'1

175

FR

Saint Helens, OR

78

Jaxon

Simonson

OL

6'3

280

RFR Rudyard, MT

21

Jose

Martinez

DB

5'10

175

JR

Solidad, CA

80

Beau

Wilhelm

WR

6'0

200

JR

White Lake, MI

22

Mario

Gobbato

WR

5'8

185

SR

Blaine, WA

85

Kitrell

Willingham TE

6'2

205

FR

Parkland, WA

23

Dujuawn Jones

DB

6'1

190

JR

Monrovia, CA

87

Jordan

Pugh

TE

6'5

220

RFR Tacoma, WA

24

Zach

McKinley

RB

5'10

205

SR

Great Falls, MT

88

Seth

Roemmele

WR

6'0

190

SO Claresholm, AB,

25

Steven

Knight

DB

5'9

175

FR

Rancho Mirage, CA

89

Dillon

Barnes

P

6'0

160

SR

Alta Loma, CA

27

Tommy

Langley

K

5'11

190

JR

Tracy, CA

90

Patrick

Barnett

DL

6'2

265

SR

Billings, MT

29

Kaden

Barrus

DB

5'9

170

SO Gooding, ID

91

Tyler

Craig

DL

6'2

230

SR

Great Falls, MT

30

Jonathan Gragg

LB

6'2

210

RFR Missoula, MT

92

Lane

Urick

DL

6'1

285

SR

Great Falls, MT

31

Logan

DB

5'11

170

SR

95

Elijah

Dennison

DL

6'2

245

RFR Enumclaw, WA

32

Morgan McCrary

DB

5'10

190

RFR Las Vegas, NV

33

Brooks

Dunn

LB

5'10

190

JR

34

Garret

Severson

LB

5'11

170

SO Bonney Lake, WA

35

Dakota

Schelling

LB

6'0

185

JR

Fallon, NV

36

Colton

Boyle

QB

6'0

200

FR

Sammamish, WA

38

Dequincy Bergen

DB

5'10

180

FR

Houston, TX

38

Levi

Bixby

DB

5'9

175

RFR Ashland, MT

40

Sam

Schuler

LB

5'11

195

FR

41

Tovati "TJ" Gasetoto Jr. LB

6'0

215

RFR Tacoma, WA

42

Myltin

Bighorn

DB

6'1

180

RFR Poplar, MT

43

Bob

Schenk

TE

6'2

212

FR

44

Wyatt

McKinlay

FB

5'10

205

SO Geraldine, MT

45

Michael McKeen

LB

5'10

215

SO Oakley, CA

46

Jake

Norby

LB

6'2

190

FR

Chinook, MT

47

Jordan

Brusio

DL

6'1

230

SR

Billings, MT

49

Jaime

Toscano

K

5'8

210

SR

Baldwin Park, CA

50

Kyle

Martinez

LB

6'0

240

JR

Turlock, CA

51

Elijah

Cox

OL

6'5

320

SO Glendale, AZ

52

Alec

Wagner

LB

5'11

210

SO Laurel, MT

53

Austin

Rychner

DL

5'10

230

SR

Morales Mix

Sprouse

Hilmar, CA Moorpark, CA

La Habra, CA

Atascadero, CA Chandler, AZ

Enumclaw, WA

Missoula, MT

Ekalaka, MT

Wright

Rancho Cucamonga

Camarillo, CA

La Habra, CA

2016 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator, strength & conditioning; Cody O'Neil, offensive line, recruiting coordinator; Jorge Magana, linebackers; Arthur Smith, linebackers; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers; Darold DeBolt, defensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs.

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

6

September 17, 2016

www.havredailynews.com

7

September 17, 2016

www.havredailynews.com

Brusio: Northern means the world to MSU-N senior pass rusher

Brusio: MSU-N senior has become one of the best at what he does

n From Page 2

n From Page 6

linemen, bonds he says that will last a lifetime, and bonds he says kept him going through some trying times — times that includes three coaching changes in his time at Northern. “(Pat) Barnett and I played together at West, and we really got to know (Tyler) Craig during the Shrine Game that summer after we graduated. We were all going to Northern, and we really started forming great friendships right there. And their support has been great for me over the years. When you have guys like that, and so many other great teammates by your side, you feel like you can get through anything. So that’s been one of the best things about this whole experience, just that bond with your teammates, the friendships you form. Yeah, we went through the coaching changes and things like that, and, our win-loss record hasn’t

been what we hoped it would be, but with guys like that by your side, I could have never imagined giving up, or doing something else. I could have never left these guys. We’ve all been in this together, for a long time now, and I’m so blessed to have the support I’ve had in my time here.”

Those bonds, formed through years of adversity, have also led to Northern having one of the best defensive lines in the Frontier Conference this season, and, they’ve helped Brusio become one of the most productive defensive ends in the league – even if he flies under the radar just a bit.

While Craig is closing in on the sack record at Northern during his senior season, on the other side of the line, Brusio, who stands an imposing 6-1 and 230 pounds, has strung together some outstanding numbers

himself. The former two-time Class AA All-State player from Billings burst onto the scene his sophomore season, recording 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. He followed that up last year with a career-high 58 tackles to go along with another 5.5 sacks.

For his career, which started midway through the 2013 season, Brusio has tallied 122 total tackles, 14.5 sacks and another 30 tackles for loss.

While Craig, who’s poised to shatter some school records before his career is over, draws a lot of attention from opposing offenses, as well as media, Brusio says it’s what they all do together, as a unit, that makes him successful.

“Tyler Craig is a phenomenal player, an incredible athlete,” Brusio said. “And his presence is felt on the

n

See Brusio Page 7

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior defensive end Jordan Brusio, right, looks to make a play during the Lights' season-opening game against Rocky Mountain College last month in Havre. Brusio began starting for the Lights as a red-shirt freshman, and he's never looked back, saying that playing early in his career, not only helped mold him into the player he is today, but it also helped create a strong bond between he and his fellow senior defensive linemen. Brusio and the Lights are home to take on Carroll College Saturday afternoon.

field every single play he’s out there.

And then you have Pat (Barnett) in the middle eating up double teams from those big offensive linemen. So those guys help me and allow me to be productive and successful. I get a lot of 1-on-1’s because of what those guys and the rest of our defensive line bring to the table every snap.

I do love rushing the passer, and I get a lot of opportunities to do that because of the talent we have on our defensive line.”

And it’s a defensive line Brusio believes in whole heartily, and is proud to be a part of.

Northern’s defense took some punishment a season ago, with plenty of growing pains in such a difficult, transitional season. But, a year later, and with four senior starters playing together on the defensive front, Brusio says things are very different, and eventually, he’s hoping things will be different for his entire team.

“As a defense, you can tell we’re

just so much more confident this season,” Brusio said. “We have a lot of experience. I think our front seven is really good and we’re playing really well. And I think our secondary has improved a ton this year, and that really helps us out. We just have a lot more confidence, our coaches have a game plan that allows us to play to our strengths, and most importantly, we’re a really tight group, we completely trust each other and believe in each other.”

Believing in his teammates, his team and his school, as well as believing in himself, is something Brusio has always done. It’s what’s kept him at Northern through some trying times – three different head coaches, injuries, and just seven victories in his four years of playing defensive end for the Lights.

And he continues to believe. He continues to be productive on the field, and he continues to show the heart of a Light off it. Brusio has never given up on what he believes

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior defensive end Jordan Brusio, right, hits Rocky Mountain College quarterback Chase White during the Lights' season-opening game last month at Blue Pony Stadium.

Brusio has turned into one of the best pure pass rushers in the Frontier Conference, and has put together an outstanding Northern career. And, it's a career that he says, despite going through a lot of adversity, it's one he's proud he stayed with for the last five years.

Brusio and his fellow Lights will look for their first win of the season when they host Carroll College this Saturday.

in, and, with his career winding down, he says, that won’t change.

“I am blessed,” Brusio said. “I’m blessed to have been recruited to play here at Northern. I’m blessed to have met and played with so many great guys and great football players.

I’m blessed to have been coached by all of the coaches I’ve had. Those are things that have kept me going through the years, no matter what adversity I’ve faced.

“And I think this team we have now, we’re right on the cusp of winning, we’re right on the cusp of turning this around,” he continued. “But no matter what happens with the rest of my career, I am so glad I came to Northern. I love playing football and going to school here. There was no better place for me. I love Havre. The community has always supported us.

And I know, even if I’m not around to see all of it, I know this program is going in the right direction. And I’ll be proud to come back to games in the future. I’ll always be proud to be a Light.”

6

September 17, 2016

www.havredailynews.com

7

September 17, 2016

www.havredailynews.com

Brusio: Northern means the world to MSU-N senior pass rusher

Brusio: MSU-N senior has become one of the best at what he does

n From Page 2

n From Page 6

linemen, bonds he says that will last a lifetime, and bonds he says kept him going through some trying times — times that includes three coaching changes in his time at Northern. “(Pat) Barnett and I played together at West, and we really got to know (Tyler) Craig during the Shrine Game that summer after we graduated. We were all going to Northern, and we really started forming great friendships right there. And their support has been great for me over the years. When you have guys like that, and so many other great teammates by your side, you feel like you can get through anything. So that’s been one of the best things about this whole experience, just that bond with your teammates, the friendships you form. Yeah, we went through the coaching changes and things like that, and, our win-loss record hasn’t

been what we hoped it would be, but with guys like that by your side, I could have never imagined giving up, or doing something else. I could have never left these guys. We’ve all been in this together, for a long time now, and I’m so blessed to have the support I’ve had in my time here.”

Those bonds, formed through years of adversity, have also led to Northern having one of the best defensive lines in the Frontier Conference this season, and, they’ve helped Brusio become one of the most productive defensive ends in the league – even if he flies under the radar just a bit.

While Craig is closing in on the sack record at Northern during his senior season, on the other side of the line, Brusio, who stands an imposing 6-1 and 230 pounds, has strung together some outstanding numbers

himself. The former two-time Class AA All-State player from Billings burst onto the scene his sophomore season, recording 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. He followed that up last year with a career-high 58 tackles to go along with another 5.5 sacks.

For his career, which started midway through the 2013 season, Brusio has tallied 122 total tackles, 14.5 sacks and another 30 tackles for loss.

While Craig, who’s poised to shatter some school records before his career is over, draws a lot of attention from opposing offenses, as well as media, Brusio says it’s what they all do together, as a unit, that makes him successful.

“Tyler Craig is a phenomenal player, an incredible athlete,” Brusio said. “And his presence is felt on the

n

See Brusio Page 7

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior defensive end Jordan Brusio, right, looks to make a play during the Lights' season-opening game against Rocky Mountain College last month in Havre. Brusio began starting for the Lights as a red-shirt freshman, and he's never looked back, saying that playing early in his career, not only helped mold him into the player he is today, but it also helped create a strong bond between he and his fellow senior defensive linemen. Brusio and the Lights are home to take on Carroll College Saturday afternoon.

field every single play he’s out there.

And then you have Pat (Barnett) in the middle eating up double teams from those big offensive linemen. So those guys help me and allow me to be productive and successful. I get a lot of 1-on-1’s because of what those guys and the rest of our defensive line bring to the table every snap.

I do love rushing the passer, and I get a lot of opportunities to do that because of the talent we have on our defensive line.”

And it’s a defensive line Brusio believes in whole heartily, and is proud to be a part of.

Northern’s defense took some punishment a season ago, with plenty of growing pains in such a difficult, transitional season. But, a year later, and with four senior starters playing together on the defensive front, Brusio says things are very different, and eventually, he’s hoping things will be different for his entire team.

“As a defense, you can tell we’re

just so much more confident this season,” Brusio said. “We have a lot of experience. I think our front seven is really good and we’re playing really well. And I think our secondary has improved a ton this year, and that really helps us out. We just have a lot more confidence, our coaches have a game plan that allows us to play to our strengths, and most importantly, we’re a really tight group, we completely trust each other and believe in each other.”

Believing in his teammates, his team and his school, as well as believing in himself, is something Brusio has always done. It’s what’s kept him at Northern through some trying times – three different head coaches, injuries, and just seven victories in his four years of playing defensive end for the Lights.

And he continues to believe. He continues to be productive on the field, and he continues to show the heart of a Light off it. Brusio has never given up on what he believes

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior defensive end Jordan Brusio, right, hits Rocky Mountain College quarterback Chase White during the Lights' season-opening game last month at Blue Pony Stadium.

Brusio has turned into one of the best pure pass rushers in the Frontier Conference, and has put together an outstanding Northern career. And, it's a career that he says, despite going through a lot of adversity, it's one he's proud he stayed with for the last five years.

Brusio and his fellow Lights will look for their first win of the season when they host Carroll College this Saturday.

in, and, with his career winding down, he says, that won’t change.

“I am blessed,” Brusio said. “I’m blessed to have been recruited to play here at Northern. I’m blessed to have met and played with so many great guys and great football players.

I’m blessed to have been coached by all of the coaches I’ve had. Those are things that have kept me going through the years, no matter what adversity I’ve faced.

“And I think this team we have now, we’re right on the cusp of winning, we’re right on the cusp of turning this around,” he continued. “But no matter what happens with the rest of my career, I am so glad I came to Northern. I love playing football and going to school here. There was no better place for me. I love Havre. The community has always supported us.

And I know, even if I’m not around to see all of it, I know this program is going in the right direction. And I’ll be proud to come back to games in the future. I’ll always be proud to be a Light.”

8

September 17, 2016

www.havredailynews.com

5

September 17, 2016

MSU-Northern Numerical Roster

Carroll College Numerical Roster # Name 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 71 72

Connor Fohn Ryan Gregory Chandler Arbizzani Isazah King Joe Farris Dylan Green Gus Chancy Jake Konen Brian FauntLeRoy Conner Poulson Vince DiGiallonardo Kolby Killoy Tony Madsen Tanner Gustavsen Dylan Torgerson Troy Arnston Matt McHugh Garrett Davis Alex Hoffman JT Linder McBride Galt Sean Pittman Parker Bernhardt Henry Hill Drew Melton Cameron Nelson Thomas Treffney Kyle Griffith Ryan Walsh Chris Schramm Major Ali Cole Adams Kyle Harrington Ty Irving Chase Bowen Beaugh Meyer Tyler Matteucci Tucker Johnson Jake Oliver Cole Greff Michael Wilson Craig Kein Payton Sexe Quinn Happold Dylan Kresge Isaiah Cech Reece Quade Sam Johnson Luke Gleasman Austin Moore Nick Jenness Eric Dawson David Anderson Colton Welhaven David Petersen Peyton Guenther Ryan McCauley Michael Monaco Isaiah Lilley Tyson Budler Darby George Jacob Babcock Joel Kramer Ethan Smith Drew VanderZanden Austin Yager Tim Pays Todd Pays Willy Clements Justin Marsh Brandon Vedder John Boynton Drew Petit

Yr.

Pos. Ht.

FR WR FR DB FR DB FR CB FR WR FR RB FR DB FR LB FR DB FR TE FR DB FR QB FR DB FR QB FR FR WR FR QB FR QB FR QB FR QB FR DB FR DB FR DB FR RB FR DB FR WR FR RB FR WR FR RB FR FR RB FR DB FR RB FR LB FR LB FR DL FR FR DB FR LB FR DE FR LB FR LB FR DL FR LB FR LB FR LB FR LB FR FR TE FR LB FR DB FR TE FR LB FR LB FR DL FR DT FR DL FR DL FR DE FR OL FR DE FR OL FR OL FR DL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR DL

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

Wt. 195 185 190 190 190 215 185 230 195 240 190 190 195 195 195 170 210 180 200 217 205 175 195 190 188 190 215 185 192 160 195 170 190 195 205 275 205 200 225 255 228 220 205 215 250 225 230 225 225 228 204 240 220 217 230 285 255 240 240 295 255 290 280 240 265 310 300 290 285 270 290 275 265

Hometown

Salem, Ore. Spokane Valley, Wash Billings, Mont.

Hidden Valley, Calif.

Meridian, Idaho Riverside, Wash.

Helena, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

Whitefish, Mont.

Boise, Idaho Polson, Mont.

Pasco, Wash.

Missoula, Mont.

Boise, Idaho Kalispell, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Heber City, Utah Draper, Utah Dillon, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Etna, Wyoming Billings, Mont.

Glenwood Springs, Colo.

Lewiston, Idaho Redmond, Wash.

Kalispell, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

Wilsonville, Ore. Hillsboro, Ore. Gig Harbor, Wash.

Glenwood Springs, Colo.

Butte, Mont.

Spokane, Wash.

Emmett, Idaho Boise, Idaho East Helena, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Issaquah, Wash.

Golden, Colo.

Grangeville, Idaho Burlington, Ill. Great Falls, Mont.

Cheyenne, Wyo. Helena, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Sandpoint, Idaho Chelan, Wash.

Yuma, Ariz.

Davis, Calif.

Great Falls, Mont.

Frenchtown, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Bozeman, Mont.

Herriman, Utah Anaconda, Mont.

Spokane, Wash.

Chadron, Neb. Cottonwood Heights, Utah Columbia Falls, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Eugene, Ore. Hillsboro, Ore. Provo, Utah Sandpoint, Idaho Sandpoint, Idaho Nederland, Colo Plentywood, Mont.

Lake Havasu, Ariz.

Richland, Wash Commerce City, Colo.

# Name 73 74 75 76 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

Colton Bustillos Jordan Minnix Micah Holt-Seavy Chris Emter Grady Holt-Seavy Sam Stratton Shane Sipes Addison Vergara Colter Hamel Walker Ray Connor McGree Jordan Jernigan Paul Hart Chase Fossum Patrick Kosena David Barnett Alec Basterrechea Alex Reid Elliott McGill Kyle Smith Alex Hurlbut Jackson Griffin

Yr.

Pos. Ht.

FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR OL FR TE FR WR FR WR FR K FR TE FR TE FR WR FR WR FR WR FR WR FR DL FR DE FR DL FR DT FR DT FR DL FR

6-2 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-3 5-9 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3

Wt. 275 280 240 302 303 240 175 210 190 235 245 160 185 198 190 255 244 255 260 290 230 195

Hometown

Torrington, Wyo. Issaquah, Wash.

Billings, Mont.

Livingston, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Spokane, Wash.

Newbury Park, Calif.

Greeley, Colo.

Green River, Wyoming Nampa, Idaho Butte, Mont.

Great Falls, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Glasgow, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Hermiston, Ore. Gooding, Idaho Spokane, Wash.

Bellevue, Wash.

Casper, Wyo. Ventura, Calif Powell, Wyo.

www.havredailynews.com

No.

Name

Pos. Ht.

Wt.

Yr. Hometown

No.

Name

Pos. Ht.

Wt.

Yr. Hometown

1

Garrett

Jericoff

DB

5'9

195

SR

54

Josh

DL

6'2

230

RFR Sammamish, WA

2

Jett

Robertston

RB

6'0

200

SO Glendale, AZ

55

Mitchell Harmon

DL

6'1

245

JR

3

Corey

Lee

DB

5'10

175

JR

56

Trenton

Woodward OL

6'5

240

RFR Three Forks, MT

5

Bowe

McKay

TE

6'3

225

SO Chehalis, WA

58

Adolfo

Robles

OL

6'2

270

SR

Bakersfield, CA

6

Sherman Arthur

DB

6'1

170

SO Watts, CA

59

Isaac

Joseph

DL

6'3

270

FR

Chandler, AZ

7

Jesse

LB

6'0

210

SR

8

"David" N'Guessa

LB

6'0

190

RFR Kent, WA

65

Dale

Cummings

OL

6'4

300

RFR Cremona, AB, CAN

9

Sam

WR

6'1

190

SO Sammamish, WA

68

Ryan

Handley

OL

6'3

230

RFR Clinton, MT

10

Donovan Garner

WR

5'8

175

JR

Miami, FL

68

Jay

Hembree

OL

6'1

260

FR

11

Jess

Krahn

QB

6'3

220

JR

Hokinson, WA

69

Brennan Lewis

OL

6'2

310

SO Fallon, NV

12

Garet

Fowler

LB

5'10

205

JR

Belgrade, MT

70

Robert

Johnson

OL

6'1

250

SO Stevensville, MT

13

Dylan

Rychtarik

WR

5'8

70

RFR Tacoma, WA

71

Linnwood Kirkland

DL

6'0

260

SR

Jacksonville, FL

14

Caleb

McLaren

QB

6'0

190

JR

Delta Junction, AK

72

Diamond Pedro

OL

6'3

310

SR

Tacoma, WA

15

Kagen

Khameneh

TE

6'3

225

JR

Missoula, MT

74

Dylan

Schmidt

OL

6'4

275

RFR Nine Mile Falls, MT

16

Holden

Maki

QB

5'9

170

SO Belt, MT

75

Clint

Willis

OL

6'6

280

SO Gardiner, MT

17

Mike

Cocke

WR

6'2

200

RFR Tacoma, WA

76

Casey

Cleveland

OL

6'1

265

RFR Great Falls, MT

19

Ethan

Snow

WR

6'1

200

FR

Hermiston, OR

77

Pete

Morales

OL

6'3

295

SR

20

Bryce

Bumgardner WR

6'1

175

FR

Saint Helens, OR

78

Jaxon

Simonson

OL

6'3

280

RFR Rudyard, MT

21

Jose

Martinez

DB

5'10

175

JR

Solidad, CA

80

Beau

Wilhelm

WR

6'0

200

JR

White Lake, MI

22

Mario

Gobbato

WR

5'8

185

SR

Blaine, WA

85

Kitrell

Willingham TE

6'2

205

FR

Parkland, WA

23

Dujuawn Jones

DB

6'1

190

JR

Monrovia, CA

87

Jordan

Pugh

TE

6'5

220

RFR Tacoma, WA

24

Zach

McKinley

RB

5'10

205

SR

Great Falls, MT

88

Seth

Roemmele

WR

6'0

190

SO Claresholm, AB,

25

Steven

Knight

DB

5'9

175

FR

Rancho Mirage, CA

89

Dillon

Barnes

P

6'0

160

SR

Alta Loma, CA

27

Tommy

Langley

K

5'11

190

JR

Tracy, CA

90

Patrick

Barnett

DL

6'2

265

SR

Billings, MT

29

Kaden

Barrus

DB

5'9

170

SO Gooding, ID

91

Tyler

Craig

DL

6'2

230

SR

Great Falls, MT

30

Jonathan Gragg

LB

6'2

210

RFR Missoula, MT

92

Lane

Urick

DL

6'1

285

SR

Great Falls, MT

31

Logan

DB

5'11

170

SR

95

Elijah

Dennison

DL

6'2

245

RFR Enumclaw, WA

32

Morgan McCrary

DB

5'10

190

RFR Las Vegas, NV

33

Brooks

Dunn

LB

5'10

190

JR

34

Garret

Severson

LB

5'11

170

SO Bonney Lake, WA

35

Dakota

Schelling

LB

6'0

185

JR

Fallon, NV

36

Colton

Boyle

QB

6'0

200

FR

Sammamish, WA

38

Dequincy Bergen

DB

5'10

180

FR

Houston, TX

38

Levi

Bixby

DB

5'9

175

RFR Ashland, MT

40

Sam

Schuler

LB

5'11

195

FR

41

Tovati "TJ" Gasetoto Jr. LB

6'0

215

RFR Tacoma, WA

42

Myltin

Bighorn

DB

6'1

180

RFR Poplar, MT

43

Bob

Schenk

TE

6'2

212

FR

44

Wyatt

McKinlay

FB

5'10

205

SO Geraldine, MT

45

Michael McKeen

LB

5'10

215

SO Oakley, CA

46

Jake

Norby

LB

6'2

190

FR

Chinook, MT

47

Jordan

Brusio

DL

6'1

230

SR

Billings, MT

49

Jaime

Toscano

K

5'8

210

SR

Baldwin Park, CA

50

Kyle

Martinez

LB

6'0

240

JR

Turlock, CA

51

Elijah

Cox

OL

6'5

320

SO Glendale, AZ

52

Alec

Wagner

LB

5'11

210

SO Laurel, MT

53

Austin

Rychner

DL

5'10

230

SR

Morales Mix

Sprouse

Hilmar, CA Moorpark, CA

La Habra, CA

Atascadero, CA Chandler, AZ

Enumclaw, WA

Missoula, MT

Ekalaka, MT

Wright

Rancho Cucamonga

Camarillo, CA

La Habra, CA

2016 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator, strength & conditioning; Cody O'Neil, offensive line, recruiting coordinator; Jorge Magana, linebackers; Arthur Smith, linebackers; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers; Darold DeBolt, defensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs.

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

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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters

Carroll College Defensive Starters

MSU-N 2016 Offensive Numbers

CC 2016 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 16 ppg, last in Frontier Total offense: 261 ypg, last in Frontier

Mario Gobbatto #22, 5-8, 185 Receiver

Ryan Gregory #2, 6-0, 180 Cornerback

Rush offense: 81 ypg, last in Frontier

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MSU-Northern Defensive Starters

CC 2016 Offensive Numbers

MSU-N 2016 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 25.5 ppg, 4th in Frontier

Scoring: 33 ppg, 7th in Frontier

Total defense: 382 ypg, 6th in Frontier

Total defense: 335 ypg, 3rd in Frontier

Rush defense: 118.5 ypg, 5th in Frontier

Pass defense: 86 ypg, 2nd in Frontier

Scoring: 24 ppg, 7th in Frontier

Aaron Christensen enters his second 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

Jess Krahn #11, 6-3, 220 Quarterback

Casey Cleveland #76, 6-1, 265 Center

A;ec Basterreachea #91, 6-2, 245 Defensive line

Tyler Craig #91, 6-2, 245 Defensive end Reece Quade #44, 6-3, 230 Linebacker

Baeugh Meyer #32, 6-2, 275 Nose tackle

Pete Morales #77, 6-3, 295 Offensive line

Elijah Cox #51, 6-5, 320 Offensive line

Kyle Smith #94, 6-3, 290 Defensive line

Tommy Langley #27, 5-11, 190 Kicker

Mike Cocke #17, 6-0, 200 Receiver

Logan Sprouse #31, 5-11, 170 Safety

David Anderson #49, 6-0, 220 Linebacker

Ty Irving #30, 6-0, 295 Linebacker

Lane Urick #92, 6-1, 285 Defensive tackle

Rushing: 94 ypg, 6th in Frontier

Mike Van Diest Carroll Head Coach

Brandon Vedder #70, 6-3, 290 Offensive line

Joel Kramer #61, 6-0, 280 Offensive line

Alec Wagner

J.T. Linder #17, 6-2, 217 Quarterback

Ryan Walsh #26, 6-1, 195 Running back

#52, 5-11, 210 Linebacker

Garrett Jericoff #1, 5-9, 165 Safety

Patrick Barnett #90, 6-2, 265 Defensive tackle

Tyson Budler #58. 6-3, 295 Offensive line

David N'Guessa #8, 6-0, 190 Linebacker

Jordan Brusio #47, 5-11, 240 Defensive end David Barnett #90, 6-3, 255 Defensive line

Willy Clements #68, 6-3, 285 Offensive line

Troy Arnston

#14, 5-8, 170 Receiver

Eric Dawson #48, 6-1, 240 Tight end

Kagen Khameneh #15, 6-3, 225 Tight end Dillon Barnes #89, 6-0, 160 Punter

GaretFowler #12, 5-10, 205 Linebacker

McBride Galt #18, 6-2, 205 Safety

Bowe McKay #5, 6-3, 225 Fullback

Total offense: 366 ypg, 5th in Frontier

Chris Emter #76, 6-4, 302 Offensive line

Tucker Johnson #34, 6-1, 200 Safety

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

Connor Fohn #1, 6-1, 195 Receiver

Sherman Arthur #6, 6-1, 170 Cornerback

Clint Willis #75, 6-6, 280 Offensive line

Aaron Christensen MSU-N Head Coach

Carroll College Offensive Starters

In over 17 years as head coach at Carroll College, Mike Van Diest has led the Fighting Saints to six National Championships, 14 Frontier Conference Championships (including twelve straight titles from 20002011) for one of the most dominating runs in college football history. The Saints have posted a 190-36 record during the past sixteen seasons and a Frontier Conference mark of 134-17.

Van Diest is also of 39-8 in the playoffs.

Corey Lee #3, 5-10, 175 Corner Vince DiGiallonardo #9, 6-0, 190 Cornerback

Kyle Griffith #25, 5-11, 185 Receiver

Colter Hamel

#83, 6-1, 190 Kicker

Dylan Torgerson

#13, 6-2, 195 Punter

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MSU-Northern Rewind

The day the Lights seized glory 10 years ago, Northern stunned mighty Carroll College at Blue Pony Stadium

From the Fringe...

George Ferguson Sports Editor

For many Saturdays, spanning several decades now, when the Carroll College Fighting Saints would come marching in to your stadium, it would literally strike fear into opposing teams and their fans.

It didn’t matter if it was arch rival Montana Tech or whoever was the supposed upstart of the Frontier Conference that season, when Carroll came marching in, often times, that team was beat before the game kicked off.

Since football returned to Montana State University-Northern in the 1990’s the Lights were definitely not immune to Carroll’s prowess. The Saints put some savage beatings on Northern’s program over the years at Blue Pony Stadium.

But, there was one day, one dark, but warm October day, one very special day where Northern, and it’s fans were not afraid.

And come October, that day will be 10 years ago.

That day, in late October of 2006, the Saints still had their vaunted aura about them. They were the defending national champions, they were ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, and, they were riding a multi-year winning streak, one that had stretched to over 30 games.

And still, for one day, Northern and its fans weren’t scared. They didn’t see Carroll as the invincible force, a reputation that was well-earned. Instead, the Lights, and their fans saw it as an opportunity.

Of course, that day turned from an opportunity, or a possibility into simply the biggest win in Northern program history.

Thanks to the Lights’ nationallyranked defense, a defense that was physical and stingy and hard-hitting, a long touchdown pass by senior quarterback Kyle Samson, and one huge field goal, Northern stunned not only the Saints, not only the Frontier, but all of the NAIA football world.

In fact, the only ones who weren’t stunned when the scoreboard read 10-7 in favor of the Lights that overcast day at Blue Pony Stadium were the Lights themselves – and for the

Frontier Conference Standings

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

Conf.

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

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

Saturday, Sept. 10 Montana Tech 35, MSU-Northern 10 Eastern Oregon 35, UM-Western 23 Rocky Mountain 21, Carroll College 20 UC Davis 52, Southern Oregon 35 College of Idaho 42, Willamette 14 Saturday MSU-Northern vs Carroll College UM-Western at Southern Oregon College of Idaho at Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain at Montana Tech

Havre Daily News/File Photo Kyle Samson throws a pass during Northern's historic win over Carroll College back in October of 2006. The program is now embarking on the 10-year anniversary of its most historic game.

most part – their fans too.

No, I wrote many stories leading up to that historic game, did many interviews with head Mark Samson, his QB son Kyle, veterans like Dylan Saisbury and Kennedy Anderson and many others, and while no one was prognosticating, it was easy to tell, those Lights knew they could win that game. It wasn’t hard to figure out they believed they were going to win.

Again, in that season, with that great team, which had gone to Helena earlier in the year and given Carroll all it wanted inside famed Nelson Stadium, the fear of playing the Saints was gone. There was no fear in the days and minutes leading up to that game, only excitement and a quiet confidence.

And obviously, Northern fans felt it too. It was a record-setting crowd that day at Blue Pony Stadium, and while Northern and Carroll had some good battles the year before, I doubt folks would have shown up for that game as early as they did, and in the numbers that they did had they not thought the Lights had a great chance of being the team to finally slay the Carroll dragon.

Yes, that was a day anyone who’s ever been associated with Northern football will ever forget. We all re-

member it well. There wasn’t a bigger win before, and there hasn’t been a bigger win since the Lights beat the Saints that October afternoon.

That was 10 years ago now, and a lot has changed, or, in some ways, stayed the same. Carroll won more national championships and reeled off more long winning streaks in the years following the loss to Northern.

While the Lights, they had success too, but have also found hard times in recent years, similar hard times to when they were building the program from the ground up, and a day like that day seemed impossible.

But, that day also changed the Frontier Conference, and it changed Northern forever. It showed that Carroll could be beat. It showed that No. 1 could go down once in a while.

And for Northern, well, it gave the Lights’ program a legitimacy it had been searching for, for a long time.

It also gave the program a moment in time, one that most football programs have in their historic annals.

Before that day in October of 2006, the Lights didn’t really have one of those. But, on that magical day, 10 years ago, they got it. Again, they weren’t scared, instead, they seized an opportunity, and that day, still to this day, is the single greatest day in Northern football history.

NAIA Coaches Poll

13. Montana Tech 1-1 14. Dakota Wesleyan 3-1 15. Benedictine (Kan.) 2-1 16. Missouri Valley 3-0 17. Tabor (Kan.) 0-1 18. Georgetown (Ky.) 1-1 18. MidAmerica Naz. 3-0 20. Concordia (Neb.) 2-0 21. Carroll (Mont.) 1-1 22. Montana Western 2-1 22. Dickinson State 2-1 24. Faulkner (Ala.) 1-1 25. Rocky Mountain 2-1

Rec. Pts Prv.

1. Marian (Ind.) (15) 2-0 2. Morningside (Iowa) 1-0 3. Saint Francis (Ind.) 3-0 4. Baker (Kan.) 3-0 5. Doane (Neb.) 2-0 5. Reinhardt (Ga.) 3-0 7. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)3-0 8. Grand View (Iowa) 2-1 9. Saint Xavier (Ill.) 2-1 10. Eastern Oregon 2-0 10. Kansas Wesleyan 3-0 12. Southern Oregon 0-2

340 325 314 303 273 273 254 245 220 209 209 206

1 3 4 5 9 11 12 6 10 NR 13 2

181 139 127 125 120 102 102 77 66 61 61 50 38

7 16 15 NR 8 18 NR NR 22 25 21 19 NR

Others receiving votes: : Peru State (Neb.) 37; Southeastern (Fla.) 33; St. Francis (Ill.) 16; Sterling (Kan.) 14; Langston (Okla.) 10; Arizona Christian 6; Dakota State (S.D.) 4.

Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Week Three

Passing: Tanner Trosin, SOU, 393 ypg Receiving: Calvin Connors, EOU, 123 Receptions: Matt Retzlaff, SOU, 9 cpg Rushing: Zach McKinley, MSU-N, 93 ypg Tackles: Michael Arenas, EOU, 23 Sacks: A. Basterrechea, CC 2.5 sacks INT's: Jay Owens, UM-W, 3 ints

Lights Coaching Staff

Jim Potter The 2015 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff. Back row, left to right: Cody O'Neil, offensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs, Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers and Darold DeBolt, defensive line. Front row, left to right, Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Arthur Smith, linebackers; and Jorge Magana, linebackers.

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Leaving opponents Bruised Jordan Brusio has been a beast on the field for the Lights. He's also been committed to his team and his school the whole way George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com No matter the circumstance, no matter the adversity, sometimes, things are perfect right where you are. And for the last five years, that’s been the case for Montana State University-Northern senior defensive end Jordan Brusio.

No matter what’s gone on around him, no matter who else is on the field, or on the sidelines, Brusio has always felt playing football, and going to school at Northern,

was perfect for him.

And, as it’s turned out, Brusio, a former West High standout in Billings, has been pretty darn perfect for the Lights too.

“I love football, and I love playing football at Northern, and I love the Havre community,” Brusio said before his last-ever time playing the vaunted Carroll College Fighting Saints in Blue Pony Stadium. “There’s been a lot of adversity in my time here. And it hasn’t always been easy. But, football has been such a big part of my life, for so long now, and a big part of that is football at Northern. And I’ve really loved it. It’s crazy how fast it’s gone by.”

It might seem like time has flown by for Brusio because he’s been playing meaningful snaps for the Lights for the last four years. Then head-coach Mark Samson went with a young defensive line during Brusio’s red-shirt freshman season, thrusting himself, and teammates Tyler Craig and Patrick Barnett into starting roles when they were all very young.

In so many ways, Brusio said that play-

ing, and eventually starting for the Lights at such a young age did so much for him, on the field and off of it too.

“The biggest thing for me now is I see the game so much better,” he said. “It’s really slowed down for me, and a big reason for that is because I did get to play so young. I have been able to be out there for a lot of big games through my career, and you just end up learning so much that way. There’s only one way to learn, and that’s through experience, and I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of game experience during my career.”

That experience has led Brusio to really rise over the last two seasons, as well as form some bonds with his fellow defensive

n

Jim Potter Montana State University-Northern senior defensive end Jordan Brusio has quietly put up big numbers in his five years as a Light. In particular, Brusio has been adept at sacking the quarterback for the Lights' defense.

MSU-Northern Lights vs Carroll College Location: Havre, Mont.

Nickname: Lights Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2016 record: 0-2 (0-2)

2015 record: 0-11 (0-10) Head coach: Aaron Christensen Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium Streak: The Lights last win against Carroll came on Oct. 30, 2006 at Blue Pony Stadium.

Saturday, September 17, 2016 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 1 p.m.

Carroll College Location: Helena, Mont.

2015 record: 4-7 (4-7) Head coach: Mike Van Diest Stadium: Nelson Stadium

September 17, 2016

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Six Frontier teams now ranked George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Shockers are becoming the norm it seems in the Frontier Conference. Three weeks into the 2016 season, and there’s just one unbeaten team left, and it’s not league favorites Southern Oregon, Carroll College or Montana Tech.

No, it’s Eastern Oregon that is the only team left in the Frontier that has a chance to run the table after the Mounties have beaten SOU and UM-Western to start the season.

For a brief moment, the team most likely to run the table looked to be the Fighting Saints. After an abysmal 2015 campaign, Carroll opened the season with a lastsecond win over Montana Tech on Sept. 3. But, what goes around comes around, and this past Saturday, Carroll couldn’t pull off a last-

See Brusio Page 6

Montana State University-Northern

11

second miracle again, in a 21-20 loss at Rocky Mountain College.

So, three weeks in and it’s Eastern Oregon at the top of the heap. The Mounties have been impressive for sure, as they raced past upstart UM-Western 35-23 last Saturday, knocking the Bulldogs from the unbeaten's.

Rocky too has been impressive, with its lone loss coming at the hands of NCAA Divison I Northern Colorado two weeks ago. So, that now begs the question: Are the Mounties and Battlin’ Bears the teams to beat in the Frontier?

Obviously, it’s too early to tell, but one thing is for certain, with a record six Frontier teams ranked in the NAIA Coaches Poll this week, the parity in the conference

2016 record: 1-1 (1-1)

Streak: Carroll has won eight straight games against the Lights inside Blue Pony Stadium.

Same song, different verse

Last Saturday, the Montana State University-Northern Lights walked into a buzzsaw for Montana Tech’s home-opener in Butte. Tech, a popular pick to make a run at an NAIA national championship this season, had just lost on a last-second field goal to Carroll on Sept. 3, and was certainly hungry against the Lights.

And though Northern hung tough in Alumni Coliseum, Tech’s desire to not start 0-2 showed, as the Diggers’ scored 14 quick points to start the game, and closed with 21 unanswered points in the second

Today in the Frontier Conference No. 21 Carroll College Fighting Saints (1-1, 1-1)

At Montana State University-Northern Lights (0-2, 0-2) No. 25 Rocky Mountain College (2-0, 2-1) at No. 13 Montana Tech (1-1, 1-1) in Butte, Mont.

Nickname: Fighting Saints Colors: Purple and Gold

might be at an all-time high.

No. 22 UM-Western (1-1, 2-1) at No. 12 Southern Oregon (0-2, 0-2) in Ashland, Oregon

College of Idaho (1-1, 1-1) at No. 10 Eastern Oregon (2-0, 2-0) in LaGrande, Oregon

2016 Frontier Conference Coaches Preseason Poll 1. Southern Oregon 2. Montana Tech 3. Carroll College 4. Eastern Oregon 5. College of Idaho 6. UM-Western 7. Rocky Mountain College 8.MSU-Northern

half.

Now, Northern comes back to Blue Pony Stadium, but, the Lights, who have played very well in stretches the first two games, have to face an angry Carroll squad coming off a disheartening loss at RMC last Saturday.

Northern hasn’t beaten Carroll since the famous 2006 contest

Havre Daily News Week Three Frontier Power Rankings 1. Eastern Oregon 2. Southern Oregon 3. Montana Tech 4. Rocky Mountain 5. Carroll College 6. UM-Western 7. College of Idaho 8. MSU-Northern

in Havre when the Lights knocked off then No. 1 Carroll 10-7, in what many consider the biggest win in MSU-N history. And now, MSU-N will try and end that long losing streak against a Carroll team that’s wounded after losing at Rocky, and, one that has a stingy

n

See Notebook Page 12

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Notebook: Rocky, EOU now emerging as title contenders n From Page 11

defense, but, an offense that hasn’t fully gotten on track yet behind new senior quarterback J.T. Linder. Carroll comes into Saturday’s tilt in Havre averaging just 21 points per game, and scoring was something the Saints struggled with a year ago.

Still, despite the loss to Rocky, and an offense that is still finding its way, Northern head coach Aaron Christensen isn’t expecting anything less than Carroll’s best.

“Carroll will always be Carroll,” Christensen said. “They are extremely wellcoached, they are fundamentally sound, and they will be very physical. They make you have to play mistake-free football, and if you don’t they really wear you down.”

Don’t count them out Southern Oregon might be a shocking 0-2 to start the season, but, the Raiders didn’t

look like a Frontier Conference cellar dweller last Saturday night in Davis, California.

SOU’s offense game Big Sky Conference member UC Davis all it could handle last Saturday, ringing up 35 points and over 600 yards of total offense. Quarterback Tanner Trosin threw for 428 yards, and if the SOU defense wasn’t so overmatched, the Raiders easily could have made the Aggies sweat the game out even more.

And while the season-opening loss to arch rival EOU is the one that really stings for the Raiders, offensively, the rest of the Frontier needs to watch out. Trosin has already thrown for nearly 800 yards this season, and wide receiver Matt Retzlaff is putting up video-game like numbers. Rey Vega also is looking good at running back, and if SOU’s young defense can find its way, it won’t take very many weeks for them to climb right back into the heart of the Fron-

tier title chase.

So, a fair warning to the rest of the Frontier – don’t be too quick to count the Raiders out.

Frontier Honors Southern Oregon wide receiver Zach Davis has been named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week. In SOU’s loss at UC Davis, he caught four passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Also nominated; Beau Brekke of Montana Western, Calvin Connors of Eastern Oregon, Tyler Cox of College of Idaho, Kyle Griffith of Carroll College, Zach McKinley of MSU-Northern, Quinn McQueary of Montana Tech and Jayce Van Zee of Rocky Mountain College.

Montana Tech safety Gunnar Kayser has been named the Defensive Player of the Week. In Tech’s 35-10 win over North-

ern, Kayser recorded seven solo tackles, four assisted tackles, two tackles for loss (-6), two pass break-ups and one interception returned 35-yards for a touchdown.

Also nominated; Patrick Barnett of MSUNorthern, T.J. Benson of Montana Western, Vince DiGiallonardo of Carroll College, Justin Hughes of Eastern Oregon, Carlos Murana of College of Idaho and Seth Swandal of Rocky Mountain.

Rocky Mountain College’s Keenan Fagan was named Special Team’s Player of the Week. In RMC’s win over Carroll, Fagan blocked a punt that led to the game-winning touchdown. He also had four tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Also nominated; Nathan Harden of Eastern Oregon, Derrick Holt of Montana Tech, Tommy Langley of MSU-Northern, Kyle Mitchell of College of Idaho and Dylan Torgerson of Carroll College.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern running back Zach McKinley, left, tries to get away from the Rocky Mountain College defense during a Frontier Conference game last month in Havre. While the Lights return home to host Carroll College this Saturday, the Battlin' Bears are becoming a team to be reckoned with in the Frontier.