Box Score (Crookston, Minn.)-  Two story lines were evident today as the University of Minnesota, Crookston took the field to host Bemidji State University at Ed Widseth Field. First, the seven seniors would have to play inspired football for the victory and second, Richard Haley (RB, 6-0, 205, Jr., Detroit, Mich.) needed 130 rushing yards to break the single season rushing record held by R.J. Rollins in 2004 of 1,549 yards. It was almost a perfect day as the seniors played possibly the best games of their careers, Haley rushed for 136 yards to enter the Golden Eagle record books, but BSU scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to take the 31-12 victory.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston jumped on the scoreboard first as Haley found the BSU end zone on a two yard rush to cap a two play, nine yard drive that was set up by a Cody Hendrickson (DB, 5-10, 185, Sr., Wright, Minn.) interception. BSU didn't get on the board until the 4:24 mark of the second quarter when Lance Rongstad rushed for 10 yards to cap off an eight play, 45 yard drive. Rongstad put the Beavers up 14-6 on a 34 yard rush that closed a three play, 62 yard drive. Minnesota, Crookston got within two points at 14-12 when Haley completed a pass to tight end Ben Viaene (TE, 6-1, 180, Sr., Hortonville, Wis.) on a wildcat fake rush pass on the two yard line. From there, the Beavers added 17 points on a Zach Pulkinen 37 yard field goal, a 21 yard rush by Brandon Miles and a one yard run by Brent Kondziolka for a final of 31-12.
 
The Golden Eagles were led by Haley who rushed a game-high 30 times for 136 yards and one touchdown. He had a long rush of 59 yards and averaged 4.5 yards/rush. A.J. Barge (QB, 6-3, 190, Fr., Carrollton, Ga.) rushed 12 times for 57 yards and completed seven passes for 93 yards with a long pass of 36 yards. Seniors Trent Nyhus (FB, 6-1, 220, Sr., Almena, Wis.), Dominique LaRussa (C, 6-0, 285, Sr., El Cajon, Calif.) and Scott Steuck (LG, 6-6, 290, Sr., Dassel, Minn.) all blocked for Barge and Haley and helped Haley to the NSIC rushing title and a rushing offense that finished second in the NSIC this season. Wide receiver Caleb Seger (WR, 6-3, 185, Fr., Lakeville, Minn.) had a career game catching a game-high four passes for 74 yards. UMC kick returner Tyler Hansen (RB, 6-0, 195, Fr., Morris, Minn.) returned six kickoffs for 125 yards (20.83 yards/return) with a long return of 36 yards. On defense, seniors Hendrickson, Justin Overby (LB, 6-3, 240, Sr., Langdon, N.D.), DeAndre Snow (DT, 6-4, 265, Sr., Detroit, Mich.), and Cory Weisner (NT, 6-1, 280, Sr., Hugo, Minn.) all played solid in their final game as a Golden Eagle. Snow finished with seven tackles, Overby finished with four tackles, Weisner finished with four tackles, one tackle for a loss, one forced fumble and one pass break-up and Hendrickson finished with an interception and return of 25 yards to set up the first UMC touchdown. Tevin Kellum (DB, 6-1, 195, Jr., Detroit, Mich.) tied a game-high with nine total tackles and one pass break-up.
 
Bemidji State was led by quarterback Lance Rongstad who rushed 10 times for 162 yards, two touchdowns and averaged 16.2 yards/rush. He completed five passes for 52 yards. Matt Gandrud caught two passes for 14 yards to lead BSU. Defensively, Dusty Sluzewicz finished with nine total tackles.
 
Minnesota, Crookston finishes the season 1-10 and 0-10 in the NSIC. Bemidji State closes out the season 8-3 overall and 7-3 in conference play.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
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The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
 
 
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