Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State football team scored on its first seven possessions en route to a 70-0 victory over Peru State College Thursday evening in front of 3,089 fans in Blakeslee Stadium on the campus of Minnesota State University.
The Mavericks set a school records for points (70), largest margin of victory (70) and touchdown passes (7).
Senior quarterback Ben King played just a quarter and the first possession of the second quarter, completing 15-of-22 passes for 299 yards and seven touchdowns. King tossed six touchdown passes in the first quarter, setting a new NCAA Division II record. The previous record of five was held by several players, the last being Kevin Russell of California (Pa) against Frostburg State, on Nov. 5, 2003.
The Mavericks were led on the ground by freshman Kyle Henderson who carried the ball eight times for 52 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore Julian Phipps carried the ball for 52 yards and a touchdown as well.
“That was a good solid win for us,†said head coach Jeff Jamrog. “Any time you can play a game in which your every eligible player can play that’s a productive victory. This shortened game probably didn’t give us as many snaps as we would have liked, but our morale will be good as we prepare to open the North Central Conference schedule next week.â€
Senior tightend Jeff Fielder led Minnesota State with five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt-freshman Omaar Balton caught four passes for 80 yards an a touchdown, while sophomore Chris Nowlin caught two passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. Junior wideout Donte Shackelford caught two passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns.
Rounding out the Maverick offensive attack was redshirt-freshman Laron Wilder who caught one pass for 21 yards and sophomore Ryan Cross who caught one pass for seven yards and a touchdown.
Minnesota State held the Bobcats to just 82 yards of total offense. The Maverick defense was paced by junior Blake Freese who had nine tackles, while redshirt-freshman Matt McQuiston had seven tackles.
The Mavericks (2-1) open the NCC season Sept. 15, when they host Augustana. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.
