Playing in their first game since 2019, North Dakota State College of Science opened the year with a thrilling 23-22 home victory over Mesabi Range CTC on Saturday.
Nate McCallum had the game-winning score with a one-yard TD with 6:50 remaining in the fourth quarter.
TJ Owens got the team on the board with a 26-yard rushing score with 8:23 left in the opening quarter to make it a 6-0 game. The Norsemen came back with a pair of TDs through the air to take a 14-6 lead.
The Wildcats cut the lead to three at the half with a safety and a field goal.
Mesabi’s defense also notched a safety as NDSCS punter Nikolas Hunchak kicked the ball into the back of the end zone to prevent a defensive touchdown.
Early on in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats regained the lead on an 11-yard hookup between quarterback Graedyn Buhl and tight end Antoine Jackson. The lead lasted 15 seconds as the Norsemen struck from 52 yards out with 10:54 left.
Following McCallum’s TD, Daemond Gibbons interception sealed the NDSCS win. Along with the interception, the Wildcat defense also recovered three fumbles. Two of them were hauled in by Manny Garcia and Niles Williams had one.
Owens, one of three quarterbacks to see the field for the Cats, had 97 yards on 13 carries.
Next up for the Wildcats (1-0) is their first road game at 1:30 p.m. Saturday against Minnesota West Community & Technical College.
