The North Dakota State College of Science Wildcats held a 20-7 lead at the half of Saturday’s “Highway 210 Border Battle” against neighboring M-State Fergus Falls. The Spartans scored on a late interception return touchdown, but couldn’t overcome the halftime deficit in a 30-23 loss.

NDSCS was led by a strong defensive game from Malique Jackson that included an interception and fumble recovery. Mason Pagel recorded a pair of sacks while Victor Espinoza and Evan Dean had one sack apiece.

Offensively, the NDSCS quarterback/wide receiver duo of Jacob Mattick and Trevion Carothers stole the show. Mattick stretched field on 12 of 15 passing for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns. Carothers was on the receiving end of two scores, posting 3 catches for 113 yards.

Ishmael Immanuel-Holloway was also a key contributor through the air, hauling in 5 receptions for 74 yards and a TD.

NDSCS was effective on the ground, with Makhi Jackson, Sam Burkel, Tyvon Cade and Michael Douglas each rushing for at least 42 yards.

Jaden Reed came through with a 55-yard pick-six with only 2:05 remaining in the game to pull the Spartans within one score. Evan Schippers and Rashad Madden added rushing TDs to the scoring ledger, while Jayden Manteufel converted his only field goal attempt from 30 yards.

Next up, No. 3 NDSCS will take a 3-1 record on the road against undefeated, No. 1 DuPage. The Chaparrals have scored at least 48 points in each of their four games to start the season.