MOORHEAD, Minn. -- In a game that went back and forth all afternoon, the MSUM football team was able to cobble together a win over Concordia-St. Paul in their final home contest of 2022.

In a game of inches like football, this contest was, quite literally, decided by a few inches here and a few there. Ultimately, the Dragons were able to emerge with their fourth win of the season, having won two of their last three games. 

According to Dragon play-by-play man Steve d'Eustachio, the last time the Dragons played an 0-9 team before today was when they won 32-6 at Minnesota Crookston on Nov. 4, 2006. The Dragons moved to 5-5 with that win, then celebrated their first winning season since 1999 with a dramatic 22-20 win over Southwest Minn. St. in the Minneapolis Metrodome the following week to finish the season 6-5.

The Golden Bears entered today at 0-9, snapping that 16-year streak.

Quarter By Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

MSUM 0
CSP 0

A defensive battle ensued at the opening of this game with both teams piecing together stops. However, each team's offense was struggling to move the ball effectively. MSUM fumbled on a fourth and one opportunity and gave the ball back to the Golden Bears in good field position. Concordia-St. Paul would go for it on fourth and eight to end the quarter and would be stopped by the Dragon defense. 

Second Quarter

MSUM 7
CSP 0

MSUM would once again fail a fourth down conversion attempt early in the second quarter, but CSP could not take advantage. The Dragons would eventually open up the scoring thanks to Jack Strand's arm. Starting a drive at the Golden Bear 47, MSUM was able to trickle down the field, culminating in a Connor Braaten two-yard touchdown reception. Concordia-St. Paul would have the opportunity to score before half, but quarterback Conner Cordts was intercepted by Jared Kallenbach as the half came to a close. 

Third Quarter

MSUM 21
CSP 14

Receiving the ball in the second half, MSUM was unable to move the ball on offense to open the frame. The Golden Bears answered with a score of their own early in the third quarter. On the ensuing possession, Dragon quarterback Jack Strand dumped a pass down to running back Luke Imdieke. The sophomore, who had one of his best games as a Dragon to date, scampered 60 yards for a score to give the Dragons a 14-7 lead.

MSUM was able to strike again on their next offensive possession, putting together a 14-play drive that saw Brady Perryman grab a 12-yard touchdown from Strand. With the momentum in their hands, the Dragons were quickly stifled thanks to a 75 yard pitch and catch from Cordts to Troy Ellison. Heading into the final frame, MSUM led 21-14. 

Fourth Quarter

MSUM 21
CSP 20

In the opening stages of the fourth quarter, CSP was able to score on Cordts run from four yards out. The ensuing extra point was missed, keeping the Dragons in control of the scoreboard. While MSUM dwindled the clock down, the Golden Bears had a shot to win the game in the closing moments. Driving all the way down to the MSUM nine-yard line, Concordia-St.Paul opted for a field goal attempt to win with eight seconds remaining. Utilizing his three timeouts, Dragon coach Steve Laqua forced Golden Bears kicker Sam Henson to think about the kick, twice. In the end, Henson missed the 26-yard attempt for the win and gave the Dragons their fourth victory of 2022. 

Top Dragons

• Jack Strand: 23-41, 292 yards, three touchdowns
• Luke Imdieke: 15 attempts, 98 rushing yards, three receptions, 79 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown
• Jake Bettcher: Nine total tackles (eight solo)
• Marcus Gulley: Seven total tackles (five solo)

Number Of The Night

• With six catches today, Gage Florence broke MSUM's single-season record for receptions. Previously 90, Florence now has 95 receptions heading into the final week of the regular season. 

The Dragons are now 4-6 on the season with Wayne State on the docket to close out the regular season. That game is scheduled to kickoff at noon on November 12 in Wayne, Neb.