Final Statistics (PDF)

FARGO, N.D. - North Dakota State's defense scored seven points on the final drive to claim an 18-16 win over the offense in the annual Green and Gold Spring Game before an estimated crowd of 5,000 on Saturday, April 23, at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.

The game was a modified scrimmage with only four series of live contact between the No. 2 and No. 3 units.  The No. 1 offense and defense played "thud" action with no tackling to the ground.

A modified scoring system awarded the offense bonus points for two 10-yard plays (1 point each).  The defense earned its points on two stopped drives (3), two sacks (2), two tackles for loss (1), one fourth down stop (3) and one interception (3).

The defense trailed 16-11 entering the final drive before Isaac Cenescar had a tackle for loss on the first play, the Bison stopped the drive, and Cenescar picked off quarterback James Hendricks on the new set of downs to clinch the victory.

Kurt Mattox and Jarrod Tuszka got back-to-back sacks as the defense stopped the second drive of the game to put the Green ahead 10-1.  The offense responded with a nine-play, 40-yard scoring drive capped by Dallas Freeman's 8-yard TD catch from Hendricks to make it 11-8 by halftime.

The offense went ahead 16-11 in the second half when Dimitri Williams caught an 8-yard TD from Cole Davis to cap a seven-play, 60-yard drive.

Demaris Purifoy led all rushers with nine carries for 31 yards, Bruce Anderson ran four times for 25 yards and Ty Brooks had four rushes for 17 yards.  Williams led all receivers with four catches for 72 yards.

All three quarterbacks completed touchdown passes with No. 1 starter Easton Stick going 10 of 15 passing for 130 yards.  Davis was 4-for-7 and Hendricks was 3-for-5.

On defense, linebackers Mattox and Aaron Mercadel each recorded five tackles, and defensive end Greg Menard had two sacks and a quarterback hurry.