JAMESTOWN, N.D. – The University of Jamestown football team was defeated 36-7 by a potent Minnesota State University offense in their second home game of the season Saturday afternoon at Charlotte & Gordon Hansen Stadium.
A fourth-quarter touchdown run by quarterback Cole Hentges provided a late spark for the Jimmies.
Minnesota State's offense established its rhythm early and amassed 549 total yards on the day. The Mavericks built a 19-0 lead by halftime and extended it in the second half before Jamestown found the end zone.
The Mavericks scored the game's first points on a 46-yard touchdown run by quarterback Maximus Sims with 7:40 remaining in the first quarter. Minnesota State added to their lead in the second quarter with a 24-yard field goal from Connor Fournier, followed by a 25-yard touchdown pass from Sims to TreShawn Watson. Fournier connected on another field goal from 35 yards as time expired to make it 19-0 at the half.
Minnesota State continued to pull away with a five-yard touchdown run from Sam Backer in the third quarter. In the fourth, another Fournier field goal and an eight-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell Thompson to Hudson Dillon pushed the lead to 36-0.
Jamestown put together its best drive of the afternoon late in the fourth quarter. An eight-play, 59-yard drive, fueled by the running of Hentges, was capped off by his six-yard touchdown run with 4:37 left in the game.
The Jimmies finished with 259 yards of total offense, including 173 yards on the ground. The Mavericks gained 271 yards rushing and 278 through the air. Hentges was a dual threat for UJ, leading the team with 115 rushing yards on 17 carries. He also passed for 86 yards. Mason Whitley added 50 yards on the ground on 14 attempts and was the team's leading receiver with four catches for 23 yards.
Defensive back Ryan Beams led the defense with six total tackles. Hershell Jefferson had a strong performance with five tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup. Evan Smith recorded the team's lone sack, a nine-yard loss. The Jimmie defense also recovered two Maverick fumbles.
The Jimmies (0-3) will look to rebound as they travel to face Concordia-St. Paul next Saturday, September 27 at noon.
