Elliott Larner handles the start at quarterback for the Huskies
BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Michigan Tech football team edged Bemidji State 31-29 in the season-opener at Chet Anderson Field on Thursday evening. It’s the second season in a row the Huskies defeated the Beavers to begin the new campaign—both times scoring 31 points
“I loved the way our guys battled and found a way to make one more play at the end,” Tech coach Dan Mettlach said. “We took care of the onside kick and were able to get out here with a win on the road against a very good team in a tough place to play. We obviously have some things to clean up at the end of the game with three straight penalties there and protecting a two-score lead.”
The Huskies scored 18 straight points in the middle two quarters and led by as many as 17 before the Beavers made a late push, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter. They scored on a 29-yard field goal 3:22 into the fourth.
The home team then recovered a fumble and went on a 5-play, 34-yard drive to the end zone to make it an 8-point game with 7:46 remaining.
Tech had to punt with 5:47 on the clock, and the Beavers took their time, making their way down the field and scoring with 41 seconds left to make it a two-point game. The ensuing two-point conversion pass sailed over the receiver.
The Huskies recovered the onside kick and kneeled to seal the win.
The teams scored touchdowns on the first three drives of the game. The Black and Gold struck first after a 75-yard, 8-play drive that was capped off by an Elliott Larner 11-yard run to the end zone. Avery Kucharski added the extra point.
BSU quickly answered with an 8-play drive of their own that covered 87 yards. The Beavers had a 51-yard pass play and then scored on a 19-yard pitch and catch from Bart McAninch to Lucas Peterson. The extra point was good by Kyle Nadler.
The Huskies regained the lead when Nic Nora and Elliott Larner connected on a pair of chunk plays on the next drive. They went for 32 yards on a third and seven and then had a 26-yard score on a third and 11 for a 13-7 lead after a missed extra point.
The home team had a 51-yard play in the second quarter that set up a one-yard run and extra point for their only lead of the game, 14-13.
Coach Mettlach called for some razzle dazzle that saw receiver Nic Nora throw 36 yards to Abram Larner to take the lead for good with 7:09 remaining before halftime. Kucharski tacked on the extra point.
The teams traded possessions before the Huskies worked their way into field goal range, and Avery Kucharski hit from 36 yards with 12 seconds on the clock for a 23-14 halftime lead.
Tech scored the lone points of the third quarter after a 12-play, 56-yard drive. Elliott Larner found the end zone on a quarterback keeper from three yards out and then threw to his brother Abram for the two-point conversion.
Both teams had 18 first downs. Tech had a 44-second advantage in time of possession, and the Beavers led in total offensive yards, 374-344
Quarterback Elliott Larner threw 14-for-22 for 153 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Jake Rueff led the ground game with 78 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Nic Nora had four catches for 97 yards receiving with a touchdown. Abram Larner had two catches and 43 yards.
Tech’s defense was led by Chase Koch with 10 tackles. Jackson Zachary added seven tackles, including five solos. Joey Donohue had an interception and a sack.
Four different Beavers threw a pass, with Bart McAninch leading the way with five completions for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Connor Carver rushed for 58 yards on 12 attempts. Zavery Guerra caught three balls for 119 yards.
Tech hosts Midwestern State for the home-opener on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Kearly Stadium. The Mustangs play their season-opener on Saturday against Missouri Southern.
