MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Minnesota State Moorhead football is set to honor 24 senior student-athletes as part of the final home contest of the 2025 season. The Dragons play host to the University of Jamestown on Saturday beginning at noon. 

Live video and stats will be available at msumdragons.com. Dragon fans can tune into the NSIC Network broadcast with Steve d'Eustachio on play-by-play and Chase Montplaisir on color commentary. Fans can also listen to the game live on AM 1100/FM 92.3 with 'Big Game' James McCarty and Jace Denman on the call. 

Matchup History...With Jamestown entering the NSIC this season, Saturday will be the first all-time meeting between the Dragons and Jimmies as NCAA Division II institutions. However, both teams have a long-standing history that dates back to the 1922 season. In their first-ever meeting, the Dragons defeated the Jimmies, 14-6. Moorhead holds a 13-3-1 all-time record against Jamestown, but the teams have not played one another in over 70 seasons. In their last meeting during the 1953 season, Fritz Bierhaus and the Dragons defeated the Jimmies, 31-0.

Gage Watch...Senior wide receiver Gage Florence made 12 receptions in MSUM's win over Bemidji State. The effort moves Florence to 382 receptions for his career, which is just four shy of matching the NCAA Division II all-time record held by St. Anselm's Justin Bernard (386). Throughout his career, Florence has been a model of efficiency and effectiveness, racking up his 382 career catches against just six career drops. Florence already holds the NSIC record for career receptions and is also in possession of the MSUM school record for career receiving yardage. 

Superlative Strand...Senior quarterback Jack Strand was named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week after going 32-42 for 366 yards and seven passing touchdowns. Strand's seven passing scores create a new single-game school record while matching the NSIC single-game record. With his 366 pass yards against the Beavers, Strand moved to 10th all-time in NCAA Division II history in the category (12,653). Strand is nearing a pair of NSIC milestones as well as he sits 381 pass yards off the all-time conference record of 12,007. The senior also needs four passing touchdowns to create a new NSIC record in the category. 

Pierson Picks It Off...Senior defensive back McKale Pierson was electric again last Saturday against Bemidji State. Pierson made two game-shifting interceptions in the victory while tallying five tackles. The Glyndon, Minn., native also led the NSIC in kick return yardage with 82 against the Beavers. Thanks to his effort, Pierson was named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week. 

Did You Forget About BP?...Moorhead senior wide receiver Brady Perryman saw another monster showing against Bemidji State. Perryman made six catches for 126 yards a touchdown. The Cottage Grove, Minn., native opened the scoring for the Dragons with a 76-yard touchdown reception, the 35th of his career. 

Derek Freakin' Tibbetts...Sophomore linebacker Derek Tibbetts showcased his disruptive nature on special teams last week. Tibbetts had a pair of tackles, but his biggest play was a blocked punt deep inside Bemidji State territory. Tibbetts' block was recovered by MSUM inside the 10-yard line and later resulted in a Dragon touchdown. 

Gav Talks The Talk...And Walks The Walk...Junior safety Gavin Jarchow made five tackles in MSUM's win over Bemidji State while also reeling in an interception. The pick for Jarchow was the first of his Dragon career. 

Kickin' It With Max...Sophomore kicker Max Watson has converted 40 PATs so far this season, just three makes shy of matching the MSUM single-season record held by Jacob Schroeder (2023).

Steve Laqua is in his 15th season as MSUM's head football coach. 

Scouting The Opposition

Jamestown
2024 Record: 3-7 (3-5 NSAA)
2025 Record: 1-7 (1-7 NSIC)
Nickname: Jimmies
Head Coach: Brian Mistro (7th Season)
Top Jimmies
Offense: Cole Hentges, QB (108-188, 1,268 yards, 10 touchdowns, 501 rush yards, seven touchdowns)
Defense: Zach Mueller, LB (52 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, one forced fumble)
Special Teams: Kobe Irmen, P (41 punts, 38.34 YPP, four inside-20)