Box Score CROOKSTON, Minn. - In the 15th matchup between Minnesota State University Moorhead (1-6) and the University of Minnesota Crookston (2-5), the Golden Eagles came away with a 20-14 in the second-annual "Red River Valley Showdown" Sponsored by State Farm Insurance. The Golden Eagles had a season-high 441 yards of offense despite the muddy field conditions at Ed Widseth Field. In addition, the UMC defense limited the explosive MSU Moorhead offense to just 297 yards on the day.

This was the Golden Eagles first victory of the "Red River Showdown," as hoisted the "State Farm Traveling Trophy" following the gritty performance. It also brought the career series record to 8-7 in favor of Moorhead.

The win over MSU Moorhead signifies UMC's second conference win of the year, as they defeated Bemidji State University Oct. 5 16-14. The win over the Dragons is also the second trophy game they have won this year, beating both of their biggest rivals to capture the "Hubcap" and the "State Farm Traveling Trophy".

A couple key players were missing for both sides today. Starting running back Keith McBride (Sr., RB, Lodi, Wis./Management) was missing for the Golden Eagles, while MSU Moorhead was missing their top two quarterbacks, Jake Hodge and Demetrius Carr.

Talo Pascal (So., RB, Arlington, Texas/Communications) was able to pick up the load for McBride without losing a step, running for 154 yards on 33 carries. He caught one and ran for one touchdown. Kyle Larson (Fr., QB, Clayton, Wis./Health Sciences) keeps growing into his role for the Golden Eagles. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. On a nice day, it may have even been more.

On the defensive side of the ball it was all about Tyler Hansen (Jr., DB, Morris, Minn./Natural Resources), who has become known for his big plays just at the exact moment it is needed for UMC. He contributed with an interception, one sack, and two and a half tackles for a loss, with his interception coming in the final moments of the fourth quarter Saturday. Ricky Jacobs (Sr., LB, Junction City, Kan./Sports and Rec Management) led the team in tackles with nine. The Golden Eagle defense was able to hold MSU Moorhead to just 297 yards after they tallied 45 points and 685 yards against then-No. 11 University of Minnesota Duluth.

Because of the quarterback situation, MSU Moorhead kept the ball on the ground. Zayne Medhaug led the charge for Moorhead with 140 yards on 19 carries. Fourth-string quarterback Myles Montplaisir, who has played at tight end and wide receiver for most of the season for the Dragons, scored both of the Dragon touchdowns while splitting time with Ryan Toelle.

Both teams came out in hurry up offense, but to no avail. Sophomore running back Zayne Medhaug seemed destined for a huge day when he started the game with a 38 yard run. After two more first downs, the MSU Moorhead offense stalled, setting up a 30 yard field goal attempt for Wes Kramer which he missed wide.

The Golden Eagle offense did not get anything going until its second drive. Led by some improved offensive line play, the offense drove 74 yards on 12 plays to go ahead 7-0. Larson completed three first down passes before the drive was capped off by a 12 yard touchdown run by Pascal.

The Moorhead offense became more dynamic when they introduced the versatile Myles Montplaisir to the quarterback position. Starting quarterback Toelle had a huge 15 yard run on third and six at the Crookston 16 yard line. This rush set up the Dragon's first score, a one yard run by Montplaisir.

After a 41 yard reception by Greg Lofquist (Jr., FB/DL, South St. Paul, Minn./Criminal Justice), the Golden Eagles were intercepted on fourth down. The interception benefitted the field position battle for the Golden Eagles as Brandon Nelson was downed at the two yard line.

Larson got the offense going again at the end of the second half, hooking up with Jacob Pinder (Jr., TE, Orlando, Fla./Management), Adam Eyton (Sr., TE, Burnsville, Minn./Marketing) and, ultimately, Keoni Piceno (Fr., WR, Wahiawa, Hawai'i/Sports and Rec Management) who hauled in an acrobatic 12 yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone. The two-minute offense did its job, getting the Golden Eagles a score and leaving MSU Moorhead 19 seconds on the clock.

The half concluded with a 14-7 lead for the Golden Eagles

In their second possession of the second half, the Golden Eagles were marching down the field, completing passes of 22 and 27 yards before fumbling the ball on a trick play.

The momentum shift was felt across the stadium following the Golden Eagle turnover, highlighted by a 32 yard rush by Medhaug. Without putting the ball in the air, the Dragons traveled 67 yards on 9 plays. Montplaisir punched it in from the three yard line for his second score of the afternoon.

The Golden Eagles were not going to lie down. A 21 yard rush by Pascal launched the offense back into attack mode. Two plays later, Tommy Smith (So., RB, Naranja, Fla./Marketing) appeared to be destined for a loss before breaking three tackles en route to a 52 yard run down to the 12 yard line. A touchdown pass from Larson to Pascal finished off the drive to put the Golden Eagles up 20-14. Mike Maw (Fr., K, White Bear Lake, Minn./Accounting) had his extra point blocked.

It was the Golden Eagles who threatened next. The Golden Eagles got four first downs before turning the ball over on downs on fourth and four.

Following his 237 yard day in week six, Cory Ambrose made his first catch on Moorhead's final possession going for 33 yards. After two more completions by Toelle, he attempted to squeeze one into too tight of a window and the ball was picked off by Hansen.

With one timeout and just under two minutes left in the game, MSU Moorhead needed a three-and-out to get the ball back for a chance to score. After two short runs from Pascal, the Dragons appeared to have a chance to get the ball back. There was some extra-curricular activity after the whistle and Moorhead was flagged for a penalty sending the Golden Eagles into the victory formation.

The Golden Eagles two wins matches last year's win total as the Golden Eagles finished with a mark of 2-9 overall. The two victories for UMC ties last season's NSIC win total, giving the Golden Eagles four NSIC wins in two years after going winless in conference play from Sept. 27, 2008 to Sept. 22, 2012. The win Sept. 27, 2008 was their last victory over the Dragons.

UMC will remain at home next week as they host Minot State University Sat., Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. at Ed Widseth Field.

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).