(RMC release)
BILLINGS – Rocky Mountain College held No. 13 Dickinson State to just 10 points – including none after halftime – as the No. 20 Battlin’ Bears earned a key 21-10 win Saturday afternoon at Herb Klindt Field.
The Bears, coming off a 51-7 victory over MSU-Northern last week, earned some redemption after the Blue Hawks beat Rocky 43-28 in the 2017 season opener.
Quarterback Jacob Bakken orchestrated the Battlin’ Bears offensive attack for all but one snap on the afternoon. He threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns while adding an additional 54 yards on the ground. Redshirt freshman Nate Dick injured his foot in the first half and did not return, while Drew Korf attempted just one pass, which was intercepted.
The Blue Hawks scored the first points of the game with a field goal in the second quarter. Shortly afterwards, Rocky responded with Bakken finding Lucas Overton for the first touchdown of the day.
Dickinson State’s Hayden Gibson would respond with a 76-yard touchdown pass to Randy Ivey to retake the lead at 10-7, but Bakken hit Max Gray in the corner of the end zone with under two minutes to play in the half to give the Bears the lead for good.
Sam Sparks would round out the Battlin’ Bears efforts, scoring what would be the last points of the game, with a rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
On the defensive side of the ball, Rocky’s Kendell Jefferson and Keenan Fagan both hauled in interceptions. Dickinson was unable to take advantage of several opportunities to get back into the game. The Battlin’ Bears were able to overcome three interceptions, one fumble, and a blocked field goal to grab their second victory of the season.
Rocky will travel next week to Dillon, Mont. to take on Montana Western on Sept. 15. Kickoff is schedule for 1:00 p.m.
