MOORHEAD, Minn. – Minnesota State Moorhead football made massive plays in all three phases to reclaim the Axe Trophy on Saturday afternoon against Bemidji State. The Dragons won the annual Battle For The Axe game behind a convincing 49-21 scoreline. 
 
In the victory, Jack Strand threw for an MSUM single-game record seven touchdowns. The mark is also tied for the NSIC single-game record. Moorhead moves to 39-34-3 all-time in 'Axe' games. 
 
With MSUM winning the coin toss and electing to defer, Moorhead's defense would be tasked with setting the tone. The Dragons did just that, stalling the Beavers and forcing a punt. However, Bemidji State punter Connor Mantelli would pin the Dragons at their own one-yard line to start the first offensive series.  
 
The field position ended up not mattering as the Dragons would get out of the shadow of their own goal line to the 24-yard line. Jack Strand would try a deep pass downfield, which landed in the waiting arms of Brady Perryman. The senior wide receiver dashed upfield, making a strong cutback move to help him land in the end zone. Moorhead would lead 7-0 following the 76-yard play. MSUM would keep control of momentum as Bemidji State would miss on a field goal try on the ensuing drive. 
 
Following a Dragon punt, Bemidji State would answer with a touchdown just before the first quarter wrapped up. After 15 minutes, the teams were tied at seven points each. The Dragons would begin driving to open the second frame as Strand found Gage Florence for a 33-yard gain. Moorhead would get to the Bemidji State six-yard line before Strand connected with Carson Elbert for a touchdown. The senior wide receiver made his first of many highlight plays, reeling in the pass with one hand while keeping a foot in bounds. 
 
The Dragon defense would show up again on the ensuing Bemidji State possession, forcing a three and out from BSU's own 24-yard line. On the punt, Derek Tibbetts would rush the kick, eventually blocking the ball with it trickling towards the end zone. Payton Longmeyer would make the recovery for MSUM, placing the Dragons at the BSU seven-yard line. MSUM needed just two plays to score again as Strand found Florence for a seven-yard touchdown. McKale Pierson would score a leaping interception on the ensuing series, but Moorhead would be unable to capitalize.
 
Bemidji State would put a touchdown on the board with just under 90 seconds to go in the first half. As is customary, Moorhead would look to strike quickly before the break. The Dragons executed to perfection, getting to Bemidji State's two-yard line with 32 seconds remaining. Strand would complete a scoring pass to Madden Thorson to provide MSUM a 28-14 halftime lead. The Dragons led despite holding possession for under 10 minutes in the half. 
 
While the Dragons would be unable to take advantage of the two-for-one to open the second half, MSUM's defense again made a timely play. Gavin Jarchow would pick off a pass to give Moorhead possession once more. However, the teams would trade punts from there before MSUM got the ball back on their own 40-yard line. 
 
Needing a solid drive, the Dragon offense would deliver again. Paced by the rush offense of Tyson Brandt and Owen Wiersma, Moorhead used 11 plays to travel 60 yards in total. Strand again found Elbert for a six-yard score to give the Dragons 35-14 advantage. The ensuing Beaver drive would see Jacob Brosius get his hand up and tip a pass at the line of scrimmage. It was Pierson who came away with the floating ball, giving him his second interception of the contest. After three quarters, MSUM led 35-14. 
 
As the Dragons drove following the Pierson pick, it was again a combination of Brandt and Wiersma who wore down the Beaver front. Moorhead would get to the Bemidji State 11-yard line with Strand finding Brandt for a passing score, his sixth of the game. Early in the final quarter, MSUM held a comfortable 42-14 lead. 
 
The Dragons were not quite done either as they would force another Beaver punt on the ensuing drive. Brandt would again pace the Dragons down the field, led by a 23-yard scamper. On a third and four play from the Beaver seven-yard line, Strand passed to Florence again for a touchdown. Strand's seventh passing touchdown set a new single-game school record and matches the NSIC single-game record as well. While Florence made two touchdown receptions, he also moved his career receptions total to 382. That mark is just four catches shy of matching the NCAA Division II all-time record. 
 
Bemidji State would score on their final drive to bring the count closer, but Moorhead would claim the contest 49-21. It snaps a five-game losing skid for the Dragons in Battle for the Axe games and is their first home win in the rivalry since 2013. The Dragons outgained the Beavers on offense 453-320.  
 
Top Dragons
 

• Jack Strand: 32-42, 366 yards, seven touchdowns
• McKale Pierson: Five total tackles, two interceptions
• Brady Perryman: Six receptions, 126 yards, one touchdown
• Jack Johnson: Six total tackles, one sack, one pass breakup
• Gage Florence: 12 receptions, 91 yards, two touchdowns
• Gavin Jarchow: Five total tackles, one interception
• Carson Elbert: Six receptions, 89 yards, two touchdowns

 
Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game
 
The 49 points scored this afternoon is the most by a Dragon squad in the 96-year history between MSUM and Bemidji State.
 
Up Next
 
MSUM (6-3, 5-3 NSIC) will play their final home game of the 2025 season next weekend as they host Jamestown. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.