The No. 2-ranked North Dakota State College of Science football team continued its offensive onslaught Saturday, picking up a 49-28 home win over Jamestown JV and moving the Wildcats’ season record to 5-0.
Jacob Mattick was surgical through the air. The sophomore quarterback completed 16 of 26 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns. Mattick added a rushing score, bringing his season touchdown total to 13.
Trevon Rodriguez was the recipient of eight passes, generating 93 yards and a pair of scores. Ishmael Emmanuel-Holloway hauled in two catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. Jessie Hawkins Jr. added a 36-yard touchdown reception.
DeAndre Neely Jr. supplemented the air attack with four catches and 38 yards.
Jaden Griffin completed 2 of 5 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.
The ground game was led by sophomore running back Michael Douglas Jr. The dynamic back turned 14 carries into 177 yards and broke free for an 80-yard score. Douglas is up to 526 yards rushing, averaging 105 yards per game.
Rodriguez also blocked a punt and returned it to the house.
Michael Woods recorded five tackles and a sack. Gus Strommen and Jonathan Mayfield tallied 1.5 sacks apiece and Landan Reaves added another. Kale Thompson joined the party with a forced fumble.
The Wildcats return to Frank Vertin Field at 2 p.m. Saturday for the annual Homecoming Game against Vermillion on B 92.7 FM.
For the first time this season, the NDSCS received one first-place vote in the NJCAA Division III national poll. They trail defending national champion DuPage and slot in ahead of 2024 runner-up Louisburg. Minnesota West and Rochester, conference opponents of the Wildcats, round out the top five.
