Connor Carver absolutely went off, racking up a mind-blowing 496 all-purpose yards to lead the Bemidji State Beavers to a thrilling 37-34 win over MSU Moorhead and bring the Battle Axe back home! This wasn’t some easy stroll, either. Less than two minutes into the game, the Beavers were already down 7-0 and then went three-and-out on their first offensive drive. But down by a score and with the second-oldest traveling trophy in Division II football on the line, the Beavers never once flinched. They just buckled down and got to work.
Carver The Showman: A True Dual Threat Emerges
Talk about stepping up! After a season where the quarterback position has been, as head coach Brent Bolte put it, “a circus,” Carver has clearly taken the reins. This kid has been showing everyone his arm talent in the last two games. Last week against Jamestown, he threw three touchdowns in his first start. This past Saturday, he shredded the Dragons for *four* touchdowns, going 17-for-27 with 323 passing yards and a ridiculous 212.3 QB rating. And get this: he also led the Beavers in rushing with 173 yards and a rushing touchdown. Tyree Lockett, one of his receivers, said it best, “Carver’s always been able to throw the ball. But having Carver be able to be a dual threat, like, a true dual threat, makes it a lot easier for us to open up the offense. So he always does a great job on his feet, but definitely can throw the thing too.” Coach Bolte confirmed what we all saw: “I think he just settled in and said, ‘Hey, he’s gonna be our guy.’ And he’s starting to take that and lead. He’s a really tough kid to prepare for because he can run the ball. He’s so physical.” You love to see a player take control like that.
Big Plays Secure The Battle Axe’s Return
The Beavers didn’t just win, they earned it. Despite the early deficit, the defense stepped up, eventually forcing the Dragons to their backup quarterback and holding them off just enough for the W. On offense, Carver’s connection with his receivers was electric. Tyree Lockett had himself a day, pulling in two touchdowns and 143 receiving yards. His longest score was a 70-yard bomb in the second quarter that came after what Lockett described as “blown coverage.” He said he saw both the corner and safety “looking flat” and “no one followed me.” He just had to throw his hand up and “pray Carver seen me, and he did.” After that epic catch, Lockett celebrated in true Halloween style with the “Thriller” dance. Lucas Peterson also got in on the action, snagging a touchdown in the first quarter and ending the day with over 100 receiving yards. Bringing home the Battle Axe is a huge deal, and Carver summed it up perfectly: “It’s an enormous honor. It’s nice to have it back , not just for us, but for all the guys before us too that play hard.” That’s what it’s all about!
This team has serious momentum now with Carver under center. With him truly taking the reins and putting up numbers like that, the Beavers are looking like a squad ready to keep this energy going. What a performance!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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