DICKINSON, N.D. — Dickinson State stayed within one point of Montana Western midway through the third quarter, but the Bulldogs pulled away for a 41-27 non-conference win Saturday at the Biesiot Activities Center.
The Blue Hawks (1-4) forced three turnovers and trailed just 14-13 at halftime before Montana Western (2-2) used several explosive plays to create separation in the second half.
Dickinson State struck first late in the opening quarter. After Ryan Racht forced and recovered a Montana Western fumble, the Blue Hawks put together an 11-play, 65-yard drive. Hudsen Grovom capped the possession with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Gage Gilbert for a 6-0 lead.
Montana Western answered with two touchdowns in the second quarter to move in front 14-6. The Blue Hawks created another opportunity late in the half when Racht intercepted Kaden LaPlaunt and returned the ball 46 yards to the Montana Western 29-yard line.
Dickinson State needed just three plays to turn the takeaway into points. Grovom connected with Adrien Calderon for a 6-yard touchdown with 14 seconds remaining, and Nik Halvorson's extra point sent the Blue Hawks into halftime trailing 14-13.
The Bulldogs extended their lead with a 79-yard touchdown pass from LaPlaunt to Seth Shook in the third quarter, but Dickinson State answered immediately. Grovom found Kohbe Smith for a 65-yard touchdown on the ensuing possession, cutting the deficit to 21-20.
Montana Western responded with 20 consecutive points to build a 41-20 advantage. Grovom closed the scoring for Dickinson State with a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
"I thought the guys fought hard and were where we needed to be at halftime," head coach Pete Stanton said. "Things got away from us midway through the third quarter. We have to tackle better and make some plays, and we didn't get that done. We will keep trying to move in the right direction."
Grovom completed 16 of 33 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. He also carried 13 times for 33 yards and a touchdown. Dickinson State finished with 317 yards of total offense, including 233 through the air.
Smith led the Blue Hawks with 78 receiving yards on two catches, highlighted by his 65-yard touchdown. Gilbert caught three passes for 48 yards and a score, while Calderon finished with three receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown. Jackson Simonson added 37 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards.
Dickinson State's defense created three takeaways. Racht finished with eight tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Deegan Tvedt led the Blue Hawks with nine tackles, while Brody Jenness recorded seven tackles and recovered a fumble. Johnnie McClusky Jr. added six tackles.
Montana Western finished with 633 yards of total offense, including 384 passing and 249 rushing. LaPlaunt threw for 384 yards and four touchdowns, while Shook caught five passes for 163 yards and three scores.
