Madison, S.D. - Mayville State football traveled to Madison, South Dakota, on Saturday, October 31, to take on Dakota State University who are receiving vote in the Top 25 NAIA Coaches Poll. The Comets fell to the Trojans by a score of 51-21.
Dakota State opened the scoring with an eight-yard touchdown run before adding a field goal to take a 10-0 lead. Mayville State responded late in the first quarter when Aiden Marcussen connected with Jack Simmers for a 25-yard touchdown pass. The extra point brought the Comets within three, trailing 10-7 at the end of the opening quarter.
The Trojans took control in the second quarter, scoring three touchdowns to extend their advantage to 31-7 heading into halftime.
Mayville State found its offensive rhythm again in the third quarter. Darnell Green broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 37-14. However, Dakota State answered immediately with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to regain momentum.
Green added his second touchdown of the afternoon early in the fourth quarter, finishing a 15-play, 75-yard drive with a four-yard scoring run. Dakota State added one final touchdown to secure the 51-21 victory.
Green led the Comets offensively with an impressive performance on the ground, rushing for 106 yards on nine carries, averaging 11.8 yards per carry. He recorded both of Mayville State's rushing touchdowns, including his 54-yard scoring run.
Marcussen finished with 68 rushing yards on 16 carries and completed two passes for 23 yards and a touchdown. Simmers recorded the Comets' lone reception, a 25-yard touchdown catch.
Defensively, DeAnthony Thompson led Mayville State with 15 total tackles, including eight solo stops. Marcus Johnson added five tackles and recorded 2.5 tackles for loss, including one sack. Seven Thomas also contributed an interception.
As a team, Mayville State totaled 262 yards of offense, including 239 rushing yards. The Comets held the advantage in time of possession, controlling the ball for 35 minutes compared to Dakota State's 25 minutes.
With the loss, Mayville State moves to 6-4 overall and 2-4 in Frontier Conference East Division play.
Dakota State Athletics also presented Rocky Larson with a check to go towards Matt Donovan and his continued recovery.
