Box Score

Big plays on both sides of the ball cost Northwestern College in its 42-13 loss to No. 21 Dickinson State in a non-conference match-up played today in Dickinson, N.D.

The Red Raiders fall to 0-2 on the year heading into next week's conference opener at Concordia. Dickinson State improves its mark to 2-1. 

For the second straight week, Northwestern had more first downs (23-16) than its opponent but was victimized by big plays on both offense and defense. Dickinson State had touchdown passes of 38 and 76 yards and also scored off a a 50-yard interception return. 

Northwestern totaled 333 yards of offense (158 rush/175 pass), led by the strong running of freshman Jevon Jackson with 12 carries for 74 yards, averaging over six yards per rush attempt. Josh Wilson added 10 carries for 34 yards and Paul Hutsonhad five carries for 20 yards. J.C. Koerselman scored on a pair of one-yard runs and also caught one pass for seven yards. 

Dickinson State scored on its opening drive when quarterback Kaler Ray took it in from 13-yards out, capping a six-play, 63-yard drive. Ray connected with Dalton Reid on a 50-yard pass on a key third down to set up the scoring run. The Blue Hawks made it 14-0 after a one-yard touchdown run by Tray Boone late in the first quarter. 

Northwestern put its first points on the board with a 10-play, 66-yard drive, finished off with a one-yard plunge by Koerselman. The Red Raiders were unable to convert the extra point and trailed 14-6.

The Raider D followed with a big stop and forced Dickinson State to punt, giving the ball back to the offense. However, Northwestern committed its second turnover of the game and the hosts capitalized on the very next play as Ray threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Jamion Lindsey for a 21-6 lead. 

Following a Red Raider punt, Dickinson State scored again on its next possession just before the half when Boone took it in from five yards for his second rushing touchdown of the game. 

The Blue Hawks defense forced its third turnover of the game on Northwestern's first possession of the second half as Rob Sterling intercepted a Jonathan Kodamapass and returned it 50 yards to take a 35-6 lead. 

Koerselman scored the Red Raiders final touchdown on another one-yard run at the 7:47 mark of the third quarter, finishing off a 10-play, 65 yard drive. Dickinson State completed the scoring on its next drive with a 76-yard touchdown pass from Ray to Boone on a third down play. 

Kodama completed 14-of-29 passes for 140 yards and two interceptions. T.J. Spykstra was the top receiver with four catches for 30 yards. 

Kyle Van Ginkel registered five solo tackles to lead the Raider D while Tanner Machacek had 4.5 tackles. 

Ray threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score. Boone was held in check, totaling just 34 yards on 10 carries, but did score twice via the ground. The senior also caught four passes for 112 yards and one touchdown.