Carroll powers past defensive Lights

HELENA - The Montana State University-Northern Lights pitched a shutout on the Carroll College Fighting Saints...for one quarter.

But after leading 3-0 after one period on a Jordan Reuschoff field goal, the Lights couldn't hold the Saints back in Carroll's home opener. The Saints scored 31 unanswered points to knock off the Lights for the 16th straight time, 31-3 Saturday at Nelson Stadium in Helena.

Carroll scored 10 points in the second quarter to lead 10-3 at the half. The Lights' offense, which moved the ball well all day, came up empty in five trips inside the Carroll 20-yard-line, including two interceptions on goal-to-goal situations in the second half.

The Northern defense did hold the Saints to just 84 yards of offense in the first half, but Carroll finished the game with 404 yards of offense, while senior quarterback Dakota Stonehouse threw three touchdowns. MSU-N junior quarterback Travis Dean played the entire game in replace of injured starter Derek Lear. Dean threw for 208 yards and no TD's, while Zach McKinley rushed for 58 yards.

The Lights (1-1) will play their home opener next Saturday against Eastern oregon (0-2) at Blue Pony Stadium.

For full coverage, see Monday's Havre Daily News.