ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Minnesota State University Moorhead football team built a 21-0 lead after one quarter and went on to beat St. Cloud State, 24-13 in the season finale for both teams Saturday in St. Cloud, Minn.

MSUM finished the year at 6-5 overall and 5-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North Division.  St. Cloud State finished 4-7 overall and 3-4 in the north.

With the win, MSUM clinched back-to-back winning seasons for the second time in the Steve Laqua coaching era.  The Dragons have had a winning record in four of the last five years and have a record of 32-24 during that span. MSUM finished 5-1 on the road this season.

"It's a good step for our program," MSUM head coach Steve Laqua said. "It was important to send out our seniors well with a win. It's a special class."

Freshman safety Mike McClanahan had a career-high 12 tackles for MSUM, including 11 solo stops. Senior corner Deiondre Taylor had a sack while sophomore Habonimana Simon had an interception. Junior linebacker Matt Schoh had eight tackles.

Junior quarterback Jakup Sinani was 21-of-37 for 203 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also rushed for a score. Junior receiver Grady Bresnahan had six catches for 81 yards while junior receiver Jake Richter had four catches for 76 yards and a score. Junior running back Ty Jochim rushed for 56 yards and a score.

SCSU outgained the Dragons 354-292 but committed two turnovers.

"We had a great start and came out of the box fast, like we had talked about all week," Laqua said. "I was pleased with the first half. The defense put together a full game."

After getting a stop to open the game, MSUM went on a time-consuming 13-play, 67-yard drive that was capped off by a 2-yard run by Jochim to make it 7-0. Moments later after a short SCSU punt, MSUM scored quick on a 31-yard pass from Sinani to Richter to make it 14-0.

SCSU fumbled on its next play with Derek Porozinski recovering the fumble for MSUM. After hitting Bresnahan twice for 17 yards, Sinani scored on a 6-yard run to push the lead to 21-0.

Simon intercepted SCSU quarterback Dwayne Lawhorn moments later for the second turnover of the quarter.

Junior Hobet Diaz connected on a 30-yard field goal with 6:09 left in the second quarter to make it 24-0 which was the halftime score.

SCSU added a pair of scores in the second half to cut into the lead but the defense got stops in the fourth quarter to preserve a 11-point lead.

It was the final game for Dragon seniors Nathan Belisle, Herman Gray, Zach Sweep, Tristan Hayes, Isaac Ripplinger and Taylor. Brady Emerson also is a senior and served as offensive line student assistant after his career was cut short by injury.

Steve d'Eustachio Stat of the Game:  Today was the first time the Dragons beat the Huskies in St. Cloud since posting a 12-0 victory on Sept. 20, 1980, ending a five-game road losing streak.