Lights return from bye to host Fighting Saints

After a week off the Montana State University-Northern Lights will get back on the field, and the moment couldn't come soon enough.

Northern (1-2, 0-1) had a bye following its heartbreaking loss at Arizona Christian two weeks ago, so head coach Jerome Souers' squad will be anxious to get back on the turf. However, in doing so, the Lights will face a big challenge when they host No. 9 Carroll College this Saturday at Tilleman Field.

The Fighting Saints come to Havre at 4-0 and an already 2-0 in the Frontier Conference. Carroll is led by former Havre High head coach Troy Purcell, who has the Saints playing at a high level thus far.

Carroll opened league play with a thrilling one-point win over Rocky Mountain College, then, the Saints followed that up with last week's 14-point win over ACU to stay unbeaten in league play and climb into the NAIA Top 10.

Veteran quarterback Jack Prka has been leading Carroll's strong offense, while the Saints' running game is pushed by star running back Duncan Kraft. Therfore, Northern's defense, led by two-time All-American Dylan Wampler will have it's hands full.

The Lights also need to put some points on the board. They are averaging just under 14 points per outing, but senior Oakley Kopp has been steady at quarterback, while former Blue Pony Mason Dionne has been a strong runner. Still, Carroll has a stout defense, so the Lights will need to play their best game of the season on offense to stay with the Saints.

Northern meets Carroll at 1 p.m. Saturday in Havre. The Lights are also home Oct. 7 to host Eastern Oregon.