Wildcats erase 12-point hole to beat Spartans 20-12

The North Dakota State College of Science Wildcats defeated the Minnesota State Technical and Community College Spartans 20-12 on Sunday. The win capped a late surge that erased a 12-point deficit built by the visiting team in the first half.

The game began with a defensive stalemate. The first eight possessions ended in punts. The Spartans broke the scoreless tie when quarterback Nolan Sharapata found Vince Ketchup for a 17-yard touchdown. The extra point attempt failed. NDSCS failed to stop the next drive, but Edward Banks intercepted Sharapata to regain possession.

Minnesota State extended its lead before halftime. Ketchup caught a second touchdown pass, and the Spartans missed a two-point conversion. The halftime score was 12-0.

The Wildcats started the second half by moving the ball but stalled on fourth down. Kicker Rynden Olson missed a field goal attempt. After several more punts, Banks recorded his second interception. Darius Jones then ran 34 yards for a touchdown to narrow the gap to 12-7.

Mathew Rahming picked off another Spartan pass. That turnover led to an eight-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Gibson, putting NDSCS ahead 14-12. Jailen Vaughn added a rushing touchdown late in the game. The Wildcats missed the extra point, but the 20-12 margin held.

The Wildcats will play Minnesota North College Mesabi-Range in the MCAC championship game. That contest is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. next Sunday in Rochester, Minnesota.