Sports have a way of bringing out raw emotion, the cheers, the heartbreak, the relentless spirit of players who leave everything on the field. On Saturday, September 13, fans packed the stands to celebrate Minot State’s homecoming game, but the night ended with a bittersweet reminder of how competitive football can be. Despite an inspiring fight, the Beavers homecoming game ended in a narrow 21-27 loss against the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears.
Beavers Homecoming Game Begins with a Battle
The excitement started early when the Golden Bears seized control in the first quarter. A crucial interception by Garian Denson set up Concordia-St. Paul with prime field position, leading to Carter Zezulka’s touchdown reception. The extra point gave CSP the early 7-0 advantage.
But the Beavers refused to let the moment define them. With just over a minute left in the quarter, redshirt senior Evan Lovett broke through the defense from the one-yard line, diving into the end zone for Minot State’s first touchdown. The extra point tied the game 7-7, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Momentum Shifts in the Second Quarter
The second quarter saw the Golden Bears quickly regain the lead when Parkees Harris rushed past the Beavers’ defense for another touchdown. With the extra point secured, CSP pulled ahead 14-7.
The Beavers struck back with resilience. Once again, Lovett powered through to score his second touchdown of the night, tying the game 14-14 with under three minutes left before halftime. Fans roared, believing momentum had swung their way.
But CSP responded with lightning speed. In less than two minutes, they drove down the field and connected for their first passing touchdown of the game. With another successful kick, they ended the half up 21-14, holding the lead for the third time that night.
Defensive Battle in the Third Quarter
The third quarter turned into a defensive chess match. Both sides held strong, preventing any points from being scored. Minot State’s defense kept them alive while the offense searched for opportunities, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Fourth Quarter Drama at the Beavers Homecoming Game
With just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Evan Lovett delivered once again. His third rushing touchdown tied the game 21-21, completing an extraordinary personal performance. The stadium erupted with hope as the Beavers looked ready to seize victory in front of their homecoming crowd.
But football can be cruel. On the very next possession, CSP’s Troy Ellison made a stunning diving catch deep in Beaver territory. Minutes later, he secured another touchdown, putting the Golden Bears back on top 27-21 after a missed extra point.
Minot State still had a chance, but a costly interception on their next possession sealed their fate. CSP controlled the clock, preventing the Beavers from mounting a comeback, and claimed their first win in Minot since 2015.
A Heartbreaking End but Signs of Growth
For the Beavers, the loss was painful, especially on such an important night. Still, there were reasons for optimism. Evan Lovett’s three-touchdown performance highlighted his grit and leadership, and the team’s ability to battle back from multiple deficits showed resilience.
The defeat dropped Minot State to 0-3 for the season, but the fight displayed in the Beavers homecoming game offers hope as they prepare to face Winona State University on September 20.
Concordia-St. Paul’s Big Win
For the Golden Bears, the night was historic. Not only did they secure their first victory of the season, but it was also their first conference win and first win in Minot in nearly a decade. Players like Ellison and Harris shined when it mattered most, making this victory a statement of their determination.
FAQs on the Beavers Homecoming Game
- Who scored the most touchdowns for the Beavers?
Evan Lovett scored all three of Minot State’s touchdowns, showcasing incredible effort throughout the game. - What was the final score of the Beavers homecoming game?
The Golden Bears defeated the Beavers 27-21. - When was Concordia-St. Paul’s last win in Minot before this game?
CSP last won in Minot in 2015. - What’s next for the Beavers after their homecoming loss?
Minot State will travel to Minnesota to take on Winona State University on September 20 as they continue searching for their first win of the season. - What made the game memorable despite the loss?
The resilience of the Beavers, especially Lovett’s three-touchdown performance, made the night thrilling for fans, even though the outcome wasn’t in their favor.
Looking Ahead
The Beavers homecoming game may not have ended in celebration, but it revealed the determination of a team that refuses to quit. The players fought with tooth and tail until the very last second, giving fans a performance filled with passion and pride. As the season continues, Minot State will look to turn heartbreak into motivation and prove that the best is yet to come.
Disclaimer: This article is written for informational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects publicly reported details about the game and does not represent official statements from Minot State University or Concordia-St. Paul.
