NDSCS Wildcats Come From 12 Down to Beat Spartans
Two interceptions by Edward Banks helped the Wildcats reverse momentum to secure a spot in the MCAC title game.
By Ricardo Alvarez ·
North Dakota State College of Science football players defeated the Minnesota State Technical and Community College Spartans 20-12 on Sunday, November 1. The Wildcats overcame a halftime deficit of 12 points to take control of the second half. Edward Banks recorded two interceptions during the contest. Jeremiah Gibson, Darius Jones, and Jailen Vaughn each scored a touchdown for the winning team.
The game began with defensive standoffs, as the first eight possessions ended in punts. The Spartans struck first when quarterback Nolan Sharapata connected with Vince Ketchup on a 17-yard touchdown pass. A failed extra point attempt left the score at 7-0. Ketchup caught a second touchdown pass before halftime. An unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt set the halftime score at 12-0 in favor of Minnesota State.
The Wildcats opened the second half with a missed field goal attempt by Rynden Olson. The offense continued to struggle until Banks intercepted a Spartan pass. Darius Jones capitalized on the turnover with a 34-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the deficit to 12-7. Mathew Rahming then intercepted a subsequent pass to set up a scoring drive.
The Wildcats regained the lead with an eight-yard touchdown pass from the interception. Jeremiah Gibson caught the ball to make the score 14-12. Jailen Vaughn finished the scoring with a rushing touchdown. A missed extra point attempt sealed the 20-12 victory for NDSCS.
The Wildcats will face Minnesota North College Mesabi-Range in the MCAC championship game. The contest is scheduled for next Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in Rochester, Minnesota.
