HAVRE, Mont. – Mayville State Football overcame an early 10-point deficit and relied on a strong defensive performance to earn a 13-10 victory over Montana State University-Northern on Saturday afternoon at Tilleman Field in Havre, Montana.
The victory marked the Comets' second consecutive win following last weekend's thrilling 36-33 victory over Valley City State.
Montana State-Northern jumped out to an early advantage, scoring all 10 of its points in the opening quarter. However, the Mayville State defense settled in and shut out the Lights over the final three quarters, giving the Comet offense an opportunity to work its way back into the contest.
Mayville State found the end zone in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 10-7 heading into halftime. The Comets continued to chip away in the second half, adding a field goal in the third quarter to even the score at 10-10.
Mayville State delivered another field goal in the fourth quarter to take its first lead of the afternoon at 13-10. The Comet defense preserved the advantage down the stretch, completing the comeback and securing the road victory.
The win marked another close finish for Mayville State, which has now earned back-to-back victories decided by a combined six points.
Quarterback Aiden Marcussen led the Comet rushing attack with 129 yards on 31 carries, helping Mayville State finish with 231 rushing yards. Payton McGregor added 40 yards, while Jack Simmers contributed 31. Darnell Green scored the Comets' lone touchdown on a one-yard run early in the second quarter, capping a six-play, 75-yard drive.
Harry Cousins played a key role in the comeback, connecting on field goals of 43 and 22 yards in the second half. His fourth-quarter kick proved to be the difference, giving Mayville State the lead for good.
Defensively, Mayville State delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, holding Montana State-Northern to just 22 rushing yards and recording seven sacks. Seven Thomas led the Comets with six tackles, while Jayden Green and AJ Jones each added five. Jones also recorded an interception as the Comets consistently disrupted the Northern offense.
Mayville State controlled possession for more than 34 minutes and converted three of its four fourth-down attempts. Despite committing four turnovers, the Comets overcame those mistakes with a physical rushing attack and a defense that refused to surrender another point after the opening quarter.
The Comets will return home on Saturday, October 24th as they take on #5 Montana Tech.
For full schedule details visit: https://msucomets.com/sports/football/schedule
