(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston football team hosted the MSU Dragons in the 2010 Homecoming game at Ed Widseth Field this afternoon. A muddy field forced the Dragons to go to the air and they did, putting up 253 yards of passing offense in a 48-18 victory.

The Golden Eagles scored once in each of the first three quarters. After going down 14-0, offensive player of the game, Keith McBride (RB, 5-11, 195, So, Lodi, Wis.) rallied the team and capped off a four play, 15 yard drive with a one yard rushing touchdown. In the second quarter, it was McBride again who rushed for a three yard score with just 16 seconds remaining in the half to complete a 14 play, 78 yard drive. McBride again found the end zone after he took the hand-off from quarterback Josh Perea (QB, 6-0, 175, Fr, Pico Rivera, Calif.) and rushed for a career-long 75 yards for his third touchdown of the day to get the Golden Eagles within nine points at 27-18.

Leading the way for Minnesota, Crookston was McBride who rushed 16 times for a game-high 143 yards, three touchdowns and averaged 8.9 yards/carry. Perea completed nine passes for 54 yards and the Golden Eagle offense was two of two in red-zone scoring chances. Cecil Brown (DB, 5-10, 205, So, Edison, Ga.), the defensive player of the game led all players with 10 tackles (6 solo, 4 assisted).

 The Dragons scored 27 points in the first half, 21 in the second half and were four of four in red-zone scoring chances. Quarterback Kevin Koch completed 18 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns. He spread the ball to Brandon Thompson, Kendall Hendon and Tyrone Small who each caught a touchdown pass. On the ground, Brett McWilliams rushed 16 times for 110 yards and one touchdown while Matt Taffe rushed for thirty yards and the final Dragon score.

The Golden Eagles are 1-3 overall and 0-3 in NSIC play. MSU Moorhead advances to 2-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Minnesota, Crookston hits the road next Saturday to play the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

 For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Photo: Keith McBride

 -30-