Blue Hawks fall to #4 Montana Western in NAIA Second Round

Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director

Dillon, Mont. - Dickinson State's came to a close Saturday in Dillon, Montana, as the Blue Hawks fell to #4 Montana Western, 41-14, in the second round of the NAIA Football Championship Series.

"I'm really proud of our guys and their effort," said head coach Pete Stanton. "We had a ton of chances early and were still in good shape heading into the fourth quarter before things got away from us on the 3rd and long touchdowns. I'm proud of our team for all they have accomplished this season."

The first half was a battle of defenses, as both teams struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm early. Dickinson State's defense came ready to play, holding Montana Western to just a field goal in the opening 28 minutes. Defensive leaders Riley Waters and Dylan Dahlgren were instrumental, combining for key tackles and contributing to three team sacks. Their energy set the tone for a defense that fought relentlessly against one of the top offenses in the NAIA.

Despite trailing 10-0 at halftime, the Blue Hawks returned from the locker room firing. Quarterback Will Madler, a senior from Bismarck, N.D., found his groove in the third quarter. After Montana Western extended its lead to 17-0, the Blue Hawks orchestrated their most electrifying drive of the game. A 53-yard burst from Caleb Rist, who finished with 60 rushing yards, positioned the Blue Hawks deep in Bulldog territory. Madler capitalized, connecting with CJ Stinson on a 5-yard touchdown pass to put Dickinson State on the board.

Montana Western answered with a touchdown of their own, but the Blue Hawks wouldn't go away quietly. Madler delivered a perfectly placed 63-yard strike to receiver Kyle Meinecke, who broke multiple tackles on his way to the endzone for a one-play scoring drive. The score trimmed the deficit to 24-14 late in the third quarter. Meinecke capped the day with five catches for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Montana Western managed to regain control in the fourth quarter with a pair of quick scores. The defense continued to battle, with Waters making nine tackles and Dahlgren recording key plays in the trenches.

Madler, under pressure much of the game, finished with 215 passing yards and two touchdowns in his final game as a Blue Hawk. He spread the ball to a variety of playmakers, including Meinecke, Stinson, and Semaj Clark, who added 51 receiving yards on three catches. Rist and Braden Zuroff combined for 101 rushing yards.

DSU will now turn their attention to next season as they enter the new-look Frontier Conference on the heels of back-to-back 10-win seasons to cap their time in the North Star Athletic Association.