The NDSCS Wildcats football team shook off a sluggish first half to win its MCAC season opener Saturday at Mesabi Range. The Wildcats trailed 14-10 at the half, but dominated after the break in a 38-14 victory over the Norsemen.
NDSCS controlled the ground game, running for 163 yards while holding Mesabi to 49. They were led by Jacob Mattick (58 YDS, TD) and Trevion Carothers (55 YDS, TD). The bulk of Carothers’ yardage came on a 46-yard score.
Mattick took over at quarterback, replacing Keegan Bishop late in the first half of the windy affair. Bishop completed 7 of 16 passes for 56 yards. Mattick completed 7 of 10 passes for 88 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Trenton Lewis was the Cats’ leading receiver with three grabs for 53 yards and a TD.
Samuel Miller and Jaylen Jones led NDSCS in tackles with nine and seven, respectively. Mark Cabrera and Chase Lawrence recorded one sack each, while Jamarii Bibbs pulled down an interception.
The special teams unit was solid, as Sam Burkel converted a 39-yard field goal and Alexander Henry went 5-for-5 on point-after attempts.
Mesabi’s talented QB Jonathan Mosley was under duress for much of the game. He finished 13 of 27 with 183 yards passing, two total touchdowns and one interception. Mosley’s favorite target, Roosevelt Hunter, tallied 60 yards receiving and a score.
