The Scoop
The University of Minnesota Crookston Football team will welcome in the Huskies of St. Cloud State for the home opener at Ed Widseth Field at 1 p.m. Sat., Sept. 8 at Ed Widseth Field. The game is Minnesota Crookston's "Midco Game". A free 32-inch LG SMART TV will be given away in the second half of the game. 

Previewing the Golden Eagles
Minnesota Crookston is coming off a strong showing in their opening game against MSU Moorhead. The Golden Eagles trailed just 14-3 at the half before giving up 20 second-half points to the Dragons. The deficit was the smallest deficit Minnesota Crookston has had in a first game since a 35-24 loss to Wayne State College (Neb.) on Sept. 10, 2011.

The Golden Eagles showcased the multi-faceted talent of junior college transfer quarterback Jalin Scott last week. Scott can make a lot happen on the run and outside of the pocket. Scott passed for 57 yards and rushed for 57 yards in his debut. In addition, junior college transfer running back Elijah Todd displayed his quick burst and power as he ran eight times for 61 yards. Rod Stewart leads the way at receiver, as the All-NSIC Second Team pick from 2017 had two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown

Defensively, Minnesota Crookston had nine stops against the Dragons and came through on several occasions with their backs against the wall, forcing four field goals and picking up two turnovers on downs. Julian Jackson led the way with 12 tackles in the first game. Joe Warner also made a positive impact on the game from his defensive tackle position as he notched 11 tackles and two tackles for loss. The defensive backfield is guided by Will Cole, who notched six tackles from his safety position.

The kicking game was given a boost by freshman Jared McLemore, who made a 22-yard field goal. The Golden Eagles did not make a single field goal in 2017. In the punting game, Stephen Day tallied eight punts for a 39.6 yard average with two punts inside the 20 and two punts over 50 yards.

Previewing the Huskies
St. Cloud State comes into the weekend with a 1-0 mark. The Huskies earned a 14-13 win over UMary in the first week of play. 

Offensively, St. Cloud State put up 360 yards in the first week with 255 through the air and just 105 yards on the ground. The Huskies are led by quarterback Dwayne Lawhorn, who was 25-of-45 for 255 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Lawhorn's top target last week was junior John Solberg, who grabbed 12 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. In the run game, the Huskies used two key players with Curtwan Evans rushing 17 times for 57 yards. Gregory Lewis added 33 yards on 11 touches. 

Defensively, the Huskies held the Marauders to just 236 yards on the day. Defensive lineman Jake Schley paced St. Cloud State with nine tackles, while defensive back Jamari Manuel had seven tackles. The lone sack for the Huskies came from Graham Miller. Matthew Lechner grabbed the one turnover for the Huskies with an interception.

The Achilles heel for St. Cloud State in week one was missed field goals as St. Cloud State was errant on all three attempts on the day by Adam Stage. In the punt game, Stage had a 32.0 yard average with one inside the 20 on his four punts. 

St. Cloud State
1-0 Overall
1-0 NSIC North
Head Coach:
Scott Underwood

Minnesota Crookston
0-1 Overall
0-1 NSIC North
Head Coach:
Mark Dufner

Date: Sept. 8, 2018
Time: 1 p.m.
Site: Crookston, Minn.
Stadium: Ed Widseth Field
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 2,000
Series: St. Cloud State leads 14-0 (NSIC)
Last: St. Cloud State won 53-27 in 
St. Cloud, Minn.
Video: Stretch Internet
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/crk/index.htm
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/mnstate/football/
Radio: 1260 KROX AM/105.7 FM
Leo Blavin (Play by Play)

#AllAmericanStatus
Minnesota Crookston All-America Honorable Mention pick Rod Stewart is back to lead the way both in the return game and as a wide receiver. Stewart had two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown as he opened up his senior season. Stewart will continue to be a major factor for the Golden Eagles as they head into week two against St. Cloud State. 

#MakingThingsHappen
Minnesota Crookston junior quarterback Jalin Scott showed spurts against MSU Moorhead last week. The junior college transfer can make a lot happen with both his feet and his arm. Scott threw and rushed for 57 yards in his debut. The Houston, Texas native will look to be a catalyst for the Golden Eagles in his home debut at Ed Widseth Field. 


#PluggingUpTheMiddle
Defensive tackle Joe Warner had a great debut for the Golden Eagles as the junior college transfer had 11 tackles and two tackles for loss from his defensive tackle position. Warner helped lead a defensive line that had an impressive debut to the 2018 season. Warner found himself in the backfield a lot, whether on the pass rush or penetrating on a run play. Warner will look to make an impact against St. Cloud State Saturday.


#MacAttack
Jared McLemore had a strong debut in the kicking game for the Golden Eagles. The freshman from Lucas, Texas made a 22-yard field goal on his first and only attempt against MSU Moorhead. McLemore has helped fill the void at kicker after the Golden Eagles did not make a single field goal in 2018. McLemore also averaged 47.3 yards per kickoff, including a touchback. McLemore will look to lead a vital special teams unit on Saturday. 


#5StoryLines
1. Can the Golden Eagles get the ball in the hands of Rod Stewart?

2. Will the combo of Kevin Evans and Elijah Todd at running back have a big game?

3. Can the defense force turnovers by St. Cloud State quarterback Dwayne Lawhorn?

4. Can Jalin Scott make plays happen with his feet and by extending plays?

5. Will special teams be a major factor in the game?