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Dickinson State Christens $16 Million BAC with Win Over Rocky Mountain College
The Hawks had 3,550 reasons to put on a good show during their first game at the fully completed Badlands Activities Center. After all, it just wouldn’t have been proper to give so many guests anything less than a victorious ending to the exciting night. Dickinson State grabbed their first win of the season tonight against Rocky Mountain College (MT), defeating the Battlin’ Bears by a score of 25-21. Beginning with spirited late afternoon tailgating and continuing with an early evening dedication of the “Forever a Blue Hawk” statue, an energetic pre-game atmosphere set the stage for an exciting opening night of the NAIA football season. Derion Williams started things off with a 50 yard kickoff return, but the accompanying drive ended in a failed field goal attempt. Quarter one ended at a score of zero all. Rocky Mountain bolted out of the second quarter blocks with a 53 yard connection between heavily hyped transfer Mark Desin and Nathan Barnett. With the kick, Rocky took a 7-0 lead. After a 40 yard kickoff return by Derion Williams and a 32 yard reception by Presley Straub, Dickinson State attacked with a Rashad Williams touchdown reception bulleted from Cody Holland, just less than two minutes after the Bears earlier hit. With Tury Escobedo’s strike between the posts, the Blue Hawks had pulled even at seven all. After an extended drive featuring nice ground work and with a little more than half of the second quarter remaining, Desin showed what all the talk was about, running the ball in 15 yards for six points. While the touchdown put the Battlin’ Bears tally up to thirteen, they couldn’t double up the score on the Hawks as defensive tackle, Luke Steiner blocked the extra point attempt. Steiner’s snub would halt the Bears for the quarter. As the half was approaching, Jerel Hafner sacked RMC’s quarterback to open the door for the Hawks. Trevor Willis made the kill on Desin, notching the safety for two points. Dickinson commanded the ball and clock for the rest of the quarter while Escobedo put three between the uprights at the buzzer to draw the Hawks virtually even with the Bears at a score of 12-13. Dickinson State moved into their first lead of the game with the only tally of the third quarter off of an interception and ensuing 33 yard return by Derion Williams. All-American Williams’ six points put the Blue Hawks up by 5, for a score of 18-13. Roughly five minutes into the final quarter, Rocky climbed in the cottage again, with Desin and AJ Tolbert playing catch twice for a touchdown and two point conversion to put the score at 21-18. Moving forward, it looked like The Battlin’ Bears might pull away with a field goal attempt, but DSU’s Steiner worked his magic again, stifling Rocky’s 35 yard attempted kick. Steiner’s stop enabled the Hawks to swing their fortunes. Coach Biesiot was very pleased with Steiner’s blocks and nearly as impressed with the senior’s tenacity. “Sometimes that pressure is just as important,” Biesiot said. Shortly after the blocked kick, Holland lofted a dart up for Derek Pauley, who pulled the ball down for a 24 yard connection. Jeremy Herr kept things going with a central rush for 20 yards. Herr would capitalize on the drive, as the recipient of a 26 yard grenade from Holland. With continued assistance from Escobedo, Dickinson had flown to the top of the totem pole for the last strike at a total of 25 points to Rocky’s 21. The Bears would not drift away though. Desin got to work passing, but launched a miscued pick into the arms of linebacker Zach McCoy at just under the two minute mark. The Hawks maintained and kept control to close out with a win. Coach Biesiot was happy about the outcome, but reflective that the Blue hawks had to earn their keep tonight. “They do some things that really stretch you out defensively,” Biesiot said of the Bears. Resultantly, “We had trouble getting a rhythm against them.” However it was a triad of playmakers and a host of others that made the difference. In addition to Steiner’s heroics, Biesiot seemed confident in giving the baton to Jeremy Herr for the evening. “We went with him and that combination because he was a senior.” Biesiot’s thinking proved correct. On All-American Derion Williams, Biesiot radiated his love for kick returners and panned that, “Derion Williams is the best slow kick returner we’ve ever had. He’s a kid capable of making plays.” The Blue Hawks return to action for their second non-conference game at 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 4th against Concordia College (MN) at the BAC. Tailgating starts at 9am. Dickinson State edges Minot State to top DAC Football Coaches' Poll
(Dickinson, ND) – Defending conference co-champions Dickinson State and Minot State sit one and two in the Dakota Athletic Conference Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll.
The Blue Hawks received five first place votes to edge the Beavers out for the top spot. Minot State picked up the other three first place ballots.
Black Hills State placed third in the poll, followed by Jamestown College, South Dakota Mines, Valley City State, Dakota State and Mayville State.
The poll was conducted by the Dakota Athletic Conference.
Below are the results of the DAC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll with first place votes in parenthesis (coaches could not vote for their own team):
2010 Football Coaches' Preseason Poll (First Place Votes), 2009 DAC Record, 2009 Overall Record, 2009 DAC Place, Total Voting Points Dickinson State (5), 7-1, 7-4, 1st tie, 47 Minot State (3), 7-1, 8-3, 1st tie, 45 Black Hills State 5-3, 6-4, 3rd tie, 35 Jamestown 5-3, 5-5, 3rd tie, 31 South Dakota Mines 3-5, 5-5, 5th tie, 24 Valley City State 3-5, 3-7, 5th tie, 22 Dakota State 2-6, 2-7, 7th, 11 Mayville State 0-8, 1-9, 8th, 9 #18 DSU Blue Hawks to collide with Rocky Mountain Battlin Bears on 2010 NAIA Opening Night
DICKINSON, ND - Five football games will be contested nationwide during this season’s 2010 NAIA season opener; three will include top 25 teams. Fourth ranked Saint Xavier (IL) plays Bethel (TN), #14 DAC foe Minot State will host Bemidji State (MN), Georgetown (KY) battles Hanover (IN), Southern Virginia competes against Concord (WV), and 18th ranked Dickinson State will collide with Rocky Mountain College of Montana. DSU and RMC are meeting for the third time in as many years. The 2009 DAC Conference Champion Blue Hawks have a lifetime 21-8-2 all-time record against the Battlin’ Bears who finished sixth in the Frontier Conference last season. Thursday’s familiar matchup will have a new backdrop as it will be the first official DSU football contest in the fully completed Badlands Activities Center.
Rocky Mountain College, who finished with a 2-9 record during the 2009 season, returns eight starters on offense and nine on the defensive side of the ball. While injuries and depth may have hampered last year’s campaign in the win column, the Battlin’ Bears led the NAIA in first downs per game, averaging 27.5. Rocky Mountain’s 2009 crew also ranked second nationally in total pass offense (4,165), 3rd down conversions (52.5), pass offense per game (378), and total offensive yards per game (501).
The aerial attack of the ‘09 Battlin’ Bears revolved around an offensive trifecta that included receivers Levi Sutton and Brian Gusti along with quarterback Kasey Peters. Sutton, a junior, returns having led the NAIA last season in receptions per game (9.7) and total receptions (107). Gone is Gusti who ranked second nationally in both total receptions (94) and receptions per game (8.5). Senior Nathan Barnett should fill Gusti’s void as his 75 total receptions ranked him 10th in the country last year. The arm behind last season’s attack was Peters who led the NAIA in total offense (4,438) and total offense per game (403). He ranked second nationally in passing (4160).
Unfortunately for Rocky Mountain, two year starter, Kasey Peters will be forced to sit out Thursday’s matchup and the Bears subsequent two contests due to NAIA eligibility matters. The Battlin’ Bears offensive moves will be no doubt be upset by the circumstances. RMC will need an answer. Enter Montana State transfer Mark Destin. Destin, a highly heralded prep player that passed for more yards than any other high school player in Montana (9,006) history, was characterized by ESPN Recruiting as a small, but “feisty competitor” with a “quick release”. He is versatile, with the ability to play at the wide receiver and corner back positions as well. Destin is also a threat on the run, having rushed for 1,820 yards during his last season of high school. Also look for senior tailback, Michael Thomas to be a productive runner. He rushed for 670 yards and produced 11 touchdowns last season.
Arguably, the greatest task for the reigning DAC Champion Blue Hawks will be countering the Battlin’ Bears reconfigured airborne attack. Interestingly, this should be Dickinson State’s best strength. DSU’s defensive backfield will be anchored by returning NAIA College Fanz All-American Derion Williams (#6). Williams will be joined by ‘09 All-DAC performer Sean Russell (#10) and senior Dakota Holland (#9). Keeping in mind Destin’s ground capability and Thomas’ potential, the Hawks will protect against the run with a crew of linebackers led by All-DAC returner Bodie Tobin (#38), who will be accompanied by Nic Nicastro (#42), Jerel Hafner (#58), and Jay Grosz (#37). DSU’s all senior group of defensive linemen will be guided by All-DAC performer, Jamie Walker (#53) who had 60 tackles last season. Walker will be flanked by Luke Steiner (#35) and Seth Forster (#47). As a trio they should provide experience and leadership up front.
All-DAC quarterback, Cody Holland (#11) will be in charge of putting numbers on the scoreboard. Holland, a senior, passed for 1,705 total yards last season and averaged 165.4 total offensive yards per game. Judging by his performance in last week’s Blue-Gray intrasquad scrimmage, Holland enters the 2010 campaign even more composed, confident, and polished than in ‘09. Derek Pauley (#18) should be the Hawks best target on the receiving end. His 19 receptions and 324 receiving yards from ‘09 and game experience will be invaluable for a younger corps of receivers. Be on the lookout for sophomores, Tanner Leak (#17) and one of Dickinson’s own, freshman Jimmy Smith (#13) as other strong options for Holland. Sophomore running back, Rashad Williams (#7) brings the greatest experience to the backfield.
Prior to the game will be the first Blue Hawk Tailgate Party at 3:30 p.m. in the north parking lot of the Badlands Activities Center and the “Forever a Blue Hawk” statue unveiling at 6:15 p.m., before kickoff. Contact the DSU Foundation at 701-483-2004 or by emailing versen@dsufamily.com to reserve a tailgate spot. Click here for More Articles >> For more information call (701) 483-2735. |
