Clock strikes midnight for DSU in loss to Montana Tech

Carter Dooner / The Dickinson Press By Carter Dooner Today at 12:07 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? DICKINSON — After enduring a 1-4 start to the season, the Dickinson State Blue Hawks rattled off four wins in their next five games, putting themselves on a bus to Montana with a chance to win the Frontier Conference East Division. The problem? That bus was headed to Butte, where the Blue Hawks would face (9-1) No. 5-ranked Montana Tech. ADVERTISEMENT The Orediggers did what they've done to most of their opponents all season long, slicing through the Blue Hawks on their way to a 52-16 victory Saturday. "They're one of the top teams in the nation for a reason," DSU head coach Pete Stanton said. "We knew we needed to get some first downs and tackle well in that first half, and we didn't do either, and it got away from us in the second quarter. Hats off to them, they're a very good team." The name of the game Saturday was explosive plays. The Blue Hawks surrendered five touchdowns of 20 yards or more against the Orediggers, who wasted little time getting to work. After taking a 14-3 lead through one quarter, Montana Tech hit the gas in the second, pulling away for a 45-3 halftime advantage. Alexis Taylor / The Dickinson Press The Orediggers took their foot off the gas in the second half, where the Blue Hawks were able to find the end zone in the third quarter on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Hudsen Grovom to Markiel Cockrell, making it 52-9. Kohbe Smith hauled in a 56-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter to make it 52-16, the eventual final score. "We just needed to get some first downs and drives together," Stanton said. "I thought we were okay going into the second quarter, but then a couple of three-and-outs and turnovers...it just got away so quick. Disappointing that we weren't more competitive in that game. I thought we would be for sure." ADVERTISEMENT The loss dropped Dickinson State to 5-6 overall and 4-2 in conference play, officially ending its 2026 campaign. Final Season Stat Leaders Hudsen Grovom finished the season with a 12-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio while throwing for 1927 yards. Ty Dassinger led all running backs with 398 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Adrien Calderon was the team's top wide receiver with 532 yards and two touchdowns. Armani Smith was the team's sack leader with four. Ryan Racht was the leader in interceptions with three. ADVERTISEMENT Deegan Tvedt led the team in tackles with 61, while also recording six and a half tackles for loss. Read more local news and sports NAIA expands eligibility to five seasons 53m ago From the Hawk's Nest: Listening, observing keys for leadership 1h ago The Dickinson Press - Area Athletics, Nov 6, 2026 2d ago Women Empowering Women launches annual holiday drive for elderly women, pursues community programs 2d ago Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags DICKINSON LOCAL SPORTS DICKINSON STATE BLUE HAWKS FOOTBALL By Carter Dooner Carter is a sports reporter for the Dickinson Press. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2025 with a journalism degree. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Subscribers Only UND Hockey NCHC to review Adam Benák's slash on Cody Croal 1d ago · By Brad Elliott Schlossman Subscribers Only UND Hockey UND beats No. 5 Western Michigan to complete unbeaten weekend 1d ago · By Brad Elliott Schlossman Subscribers Only UND Hockey 5 things you might have missed from UND's 2-2 tie with Western Michigan 2d ago · By Brad Elliott Schlossman ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep Blue Hawks look to turn late-season surge into postseason berth 3d ago · By Carter Dooner Local Dickinson City Commission reviews EMS update and 2024 audit report 3d ago · By Dorvall Bedford Local Police Blotter: Criminal mischief, stolen vehicle, sexual assault 3d ago · By Press Staff Prep Mavericks face undefeated Kindred with Dakota Bowl berth on the line 3d ago · By Carter Dooner