The Battle Axe trophy is on the line this week for the MSUM Dragons football as they host the Bemidji State Beavers this Saturday at noon.
The Axe traveling trophy dates back to 1948 and is the second-oldest trophy in Division II. Bemidji State currently retains the Axe after beating the Dragons, 22-19 in the 2021 season.
Kickoff is Noon at Scheels Field in Moorhead, Minnesota.
An MSUM win over Bemidji State would...
- Improve the Dragon's record to 3-4.
- Give MSUM their first back-to-back wins of 2022.
- Improve the Dragon's 2022 home record to 2-2.
- Break the Beaver's 2-game win streak over the Dragons.
Series History
MSUM and Bemidji State, who first met in football in 1929, will meet for an 86th time with the Dragons leading the series 47-37-3. The Dragons have won four of the last eight meetings including a 31-26 win in 2018. Bemidji won the most recent meeting 22-19 in 2021.
2021: Bemidji State 22, MSUM 19 (In Bemidji)
2019: Bemidji State 28, MSUM 24 (in Moorhead)
2018: MSUM 31, Bemidji State 26 (in Bemidji)
2017: Bemidji State 45, MSUM 14 (in Moorhead, Minn.)
2016: MSUM 42, Bemidji State 41 (in Bemidji, Minn.)
2015: Bemidji State 42, MSUM 28 (in Moorhead)
The Head Coaches
Steve Laqua is in his tenth season, and 11th year overall as MSUM's head coach with a record of 50-67 at the school.
Brent Bolte is in his sixth season as the BSU head coach with a record of 46-18.
About MSUM
The Dragons improved to 2-4 on the season after defeating Minot State 36-14 at MSUM's homecoming last weekend. Freshman quarterback
Jack Strand leads the passing attack for the Dragons and is 101-of-145 for 995 passing yards and 7 touchdowns.
Redshirt Freshman
Gage Florence has 52 receptions for 545 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Junior
Ryan Bieberdorf has 25 receptions for 361 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Sophomore
Luke Imdieke has 30 receptions for 180 receiving yards.
Imdieke also leads the rushing game for the Dragons with 138 rushing yards on 47 carries. Junior
Hayden Boll adds 68 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 28 carries.
On defense, Sophomore linebacker
Josiah Behm leads the Dragons with 55 tackles. Sophomore Defensive Back Marcus Galley has 44 tackles, a sack, and an interception. Senior linebacker
James Eggert and Junior Defensive Back
Jared Kallenbach have 35 tackles each. Sophomore Defensive Lineman
Denver Sheets leads at 3 sacks.
The Dragons average 298.7 yards per game and allows 401.8 yards per game.
About Bemidji State
The Beavers improved to 4-2 on the season and 4-2 against NSIC opponents after defeating Concordia St. Paul last Saturday. Junior Quarterback Brandon Alt leads the Beavers' passing attack with 1,906 passing yards and 19 touchdowns on 130-of-221 attempts.
Senior Brenden Beaulieu leads the team with 41 receptions for 757 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. Senior Dhel Duncan-Busby adds 29 receptions for 488 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Sophomore Joey Baron has 21 receptions for 202 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Junior Jalen Frye leads the Dragons rushing attack with 458 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 107 carries. Junior Sage Booker adds 243 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 73 carries.
On defense, Junior linebacker Max Buduris leads the team with 32 tackles and 2 sacks. Junior linebacker Spencer Wehr adds 31 tackles. Junior Defensive Lineman Stephen Hoffman 25 tackles and 2 sacks. Senior linebacker Zollie Kaplan leads the team in sacks with 5.
The Beavers average 496.2 yards per game and allow 288.2 yards per game.
MORE ABOUT THE DRAGONS
Not Seeing Yellow
After 6 games, the Dragons have had 22 penalties for a total of 217 yards. That is an average of 36.17 yards per game.
Young Receivers Emerge
Redshirt Freshmen receivers
Gage Florence and
Carter Birrenkott have combined for 77 receptions for 772 receiving yards and four touchdowns through six games. Florence hauled in a 70-yard pass against Minnesota Duluth for the Dragons' longest play this season.
Take Your Pick
The Dragons have 7 interceptions through 6 games. Marcus Galley,
Jared Kallenbach,
Cody Sorenson, and
Jackson Faller have 1 interception apiece.
Jake Bettcher leads the team with 3 interceptions on the season.
Week 7 Under Laqua
The Dragons are 2-8 in Week 7 games under Laqua. The Dragons beat Wayne State 28-22 in overtime during the 2018 season for their last win in Week 7.
