Bulldogs remain undefeated after Beaver win

Story by: Heidi Stang and Tyler Knaeble

Sophomore QB, John Larson (No. 9) ended the game against Bemidji State with 19 completed passes and 242 yards thrown. Photo by: Bob King

The Bulldogs defeated the Bemidji State Beavers last Saturday September 22, with a final score of 26-19 after a double overtime battle. Both teams entered the game 3-0, blowing out any competition previous.

Senior caption defensive back, Mitchell Johnson-Martin (NO. 7). Photo courtesy of UMD Athletics

This win not only proves that the Bulldogs are contenders for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) North title, but just may be the start of something much bigger.

When asked about how to keep winning games, senior captain Mitchell Johnson-Martin (No. 7) simply replied, “each week is 1-0.”

Senior caption linebacker, A.J Naatz (No. 31). Photo courtesy of UMD Athletics

This week by week approach seems to be the mindset among the whole team and something that has really been instilled in them by the coaching staff. The Bulldogs knew they had a battle coming against a talented team and they had to come ready to play.

“We got to bring our juice and our coaches have us prepared,” Jason Balts (No. 13), second year captain, said.

For this match they knew Bemidji’s running game posed a threat. However, captain A.J. Naatz (No. 31) holds a lot of faith with his guys and his coaching staff. “We take a lot of pride in stopping the run and if they want to come in here and try, we will be ready to go,” he said.

And ready to go they were, only allowing the Beavers 46 rushing yards in the double overtime win.

Senior caption wide receiver, Jason Baltz (No. 13). Photo courtesy of UMD Athletics

Because of this strong start, many are wondering just how far this team can go. The team however is just living in the moment and staying with that “1-0 mindset.”

Johnson-Martin also added that they are just going to play Bulldog football which is “fast, physical, and confident.”

Off the field the team has been enjoying the new player locker room. The captains said that everything about the new facility is nice but one feature in particular stands out.

“Outlets in the locker area,” Balts said, and they all unanimously agreed with a laugh. However nice outlets may be though, the team insists that fans in the stands are really what give them their spark.

The captains expressed how much they love playing in front their home crowd and how the environment at Malosky Stadium gives them that extra motivation. Something that they will surely need to go 1-0 against Concordia-St. Paul this Saturday at 1:00 pm at Malosky Stadium. Adult tickets are $10 and children $6 and as always, UMD students get in free with a valid Ucard.