For the first time in almost two seasons, the MSU-Northern Football Lights won a football game. They defeated Mayville State University by the final score of (14-0).
Head Coach Jerome Souers detailed how great it felt for the program to be back on winning terms.
“Like a lot of early games are, it was ugly, but you get a chance to learn from the early mistakes we made and the things we can correct,” Souers said. “It’s really phenomenal for our guys (to) get that feeling and even though we didn’t play our best, we can still win a game.”
The defense was the story for the Lights, who pitched a shutout and allowed 157 yards of total offense to the Comets. Spencer Lehnerz was able to get a key interception in the third quarter with Mayville State driving that led to a Mason Dionne 3-yard rushing touchdown. Dylan Wampler, a senior linebacker, broke down how the defense was able to be so successful.
“Our defensive linemen making it so we have a one-on-one pass rush and that’s where we excel,” Wampler said. “And our (defensive backs) playing out of (this world) today locking up people all day. It’s all of us.”
After scoring only one touchdown in 2022, MSU-N had two in Saturday’s game. The other score was courtesy of an Oakley Kopp 18-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Benson in the second quarter. Kopp shared how he felt after giving the community something to cheer about for the first time since he got to campus way back in 2019.
“It felt awesome just to do something that was surprising to not just the team, but to Havre as a whole,” Kopp said. “I think having been here previously, there’s been a lot of negative light to the football programs and we’re adding some positivity.”
“It’s just exciting because I think that can lead to even bigger things; more fun.”
The Lights will be back in training on Sunday to get set for a home game versus Rocky Mountain College on Sept. 2. Kickoff is at 1pm from Tilleman Field with Noah Friedman on the call.
